The Albert Lea City Council unanimously approved the mill and overlay of a portion of South Broadway on Monday — a project that will be done in collaboration with Freeborn County.

The project includes the bituminous overlay of South Broadway from U.S. Highway 65 south to Freeborn County Road 13.

“The project is within city limits and will involve milling 1 1/2 inches of bituminous in the center of the street and milling out 3 inches deep along the curb line,” City Manager Chad Adams said in a report. “Manholes and water valves would be raised and 3 inches of bituminous would be placed back on the roadway.”

Sidewalk replacement is planned where it is damaged or uneven. Sidewalk on the stretch is along both sides of South Broadway from Highway 65 to 11th Street. The sidewalk continues on the east side of the roadway and ends at the Albert Lea Jehovah’s Witnesses property.

“Additionally, all of the sidewalk pedestrian ramps will be replaced to bring them into compliance with current ADA standards,” Adams said.

The project in city limits is expected to cost about $433,000 and is expected to be paid for with about $87,000 in assessments; a little less than $40,000 in city funds; more than $306,000 in county funds — including $200,000 in funds from the county’s sales tax — and bonding or state aid funds, Adams said.

The 64 properly assessments for the project will be based on 2017 bonding and range from $418 to more than $10,000.

Albert Lea Engineer Steven Jahnke said the project is needed to preserve the roadway. He said though the condition of the roadway is not terrible, cracks are developing and pitting is occurring.

The project is expected to begin in May at the earliest and be completed sometime this fall.