By: Kia Farhang

The University of Minnesota is in talks with Minneapolis officials to reconstruct Eighth Street Southeast — with the University covering part of the cost.

The University doesn’t yet have an estimate for the project’s cost, which is adjacent to the newly reconstructed Siebert Field and other University athletics complexes.

“We’re working with the city to enter into a cooperative agreement to start designing what the new road will look like,” said Sandy Cullen, transportation systems design manager for University Parking and Transportation Services. “We hope to have [the design] set this year.”

If the Minneapolis City Council approves the redevelopment, it won’t be the first time the University has paid for city reconstruction. Last year, the University spent more than $550,000 to help redo sections of Talmage and Riverside Avenues near University property.

In the next few weeks, Cullen said the city will sign off on a conceptual design for the project.

“This initial agreement is only covering the design,” she said. “Then we’ll get the cost estimate and we’ll work on a subsequent agreement that we’ll be paying for our share of the construction.”

Bob Carlson, principal professional engineer for the City’s Public Works department, said development may begin as soon as this year.

At this stage, it’s still unclear exactly how far along Eighth Street the new road would go, but Carlson said it will definitely stretch past the three housing complexes on the north side of the street.

“We would try to keep access open for the majority of the time,” he said. “It isn’t the intent just to say, ‘Okay, we’re starting up, you people go away and don’t drive on this thing until we’re all done.’’”

The street may be closed a few times, Carlson said, like when new asphalt needs time to cool.

Eighth Street, which tapers off into a dirt road past University recreational fields, has drawn complaints from nearby property owners.

Greg Jansma, building manager for the two Northstar at Seibert Field apartments on Eighth Street, said the development is long overdue.

“I’ve been waiting for it to get done for eight years,” he said.

A number of Jansma’s residents have complained about the street, he said.

“We go into a rainy stretch like we have recently; those big holes literally never dry up,” he said. “And even when they do, they’re still dealing with the rough road.”

Jansma said he’s hopeful the University’s contribution will move the project along swiftly.

“That [funding] would get them over the hump,” he said, “and hopefully move us to the front of the line, road construction-wise.”

Pick up Wednesday’s Minnesota Daily for more on the project and where its funding could come from.