Overlay and reconstruction road projects are planned to take place in 2018 in the heart of Albert Lea.

The Albert Lea City Council Tuesday ordered feasibility reports for road projects next year, including the planned neighborhood improvement project in central Albert Lea, reconstruction projects and downtown sidewalk and repair work.

The Lakeview Boulevard rehabilitation project is expected to include work from Hatch Bridge to Martin Road, and Margaretha Avenue mill and overlay work is expected to span from Broadway Avenue to Eighth Street.

Mill and overlay work is also planned on Plaza Street for approximately 3,200 feet east of Freeborn County Road 20 and approximately 900 feet in roadway west of Bridge Avenue.

Johnson Street from North Shore Avenue to Valley Avenue and Bay Oaks Drive from Minnesota Highway 13 to 180 feet east of a cul-de-sac in the area are expected to be reconstructed.

The neighborhood improvement project includes extensive mill and overlay work on:

• Brookside Drive from Richway Drive to Bayview Drive
• Brookside Circle from Brookside Drive to Bayview Drive
• Bayview Drive from Greenwood Drive to Brookside Drive
• Shore Acres Drive
• Wilby Drive
• Wilby Circle from Wilby Drive to a cul-de-sac in the area
• Crescent Circle from Crescent Drive to a cul-de-sac in the area
• William Street from Elizabeth Avenue to East Main Street
• Elizabeth Avenue from William Street to College Street
• Main Court from Elizabeth Avenue to Lake Avenue
• Water Street from West Avenue to Broadway Avenue
• St. Mary Avenue from Clark Street to Fountain Street
• West Avenue from Clark Street to Fountain Street
• Court Lane from Fountain Street to Vine Avenue
• Washington Avenue from Clark Street to Fountain Street
• Triangle Drive from Wedgemore Drive to the north end
• West end paving for 3103 Lake Chapeau Drive
• Lakeshore Drive from Richway Drive to approximately 150 feet south
• Reconstruction of Vinehurst Avenue from Fountain Street to Grace Street

Downtown sidewalks are expected to be replaced on Washington Avenue from Pearl Street to Fountain Street, Newton Avenue from Pearl Street to Fountain Street, Pearl Street from Washington Avenue to Broadway Avenue, College Street from Washington Avenue to Newton Avenue, William Street from Washington Avenue to Newton Avenue, Clark Street from Washington Avenue to Newton Avenue and Water Street from Washington Avenue to Broadway Avenue.

Sidewalk work is expected to be complete by the end of August. Mill and overlay projects are expected to last through the end of August, with Johnson Street and Bay Oaks Drive reconstruction projects planned to last through late October.

The municipal parking lots near the Eagles Club and Department of Human Services building  will be reconstructed.

Cost estimates for the projects have not been formed.

Albert Lea civil engineer Christopher Lowe said Wednesday the city is trying to preserve the life of its roadways by enacting mill and overlay projects, noting reconstruction projects take place after the street is deemed to not be salvageable.

Fourth Ward Councilor Reid Olson said he supports the projects taking place next year to help the city catch up on needed street repairs.

“We have so much work that needs to be done,” he said. “I just wish we could do more.”