Residents of Rice County will soon have the chance to weigh in on plans to construct a shared-use path along County Road 20. An open house scheduled for December 16, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., will be held without a formal presentation at the Rice County Government Services Building, as per an announcement by the Rice County Board of Commissioners. The proposed path is part of a broader construction project aimed at enhancing the road's safety and functionality, particularly between Faribault and the cities of Dundas and Northfield.
The open house serves as a forum for public input on the first phase of the four-part initiative, which is set to start during the 2027 construction season. In seeking to address roadway safety and traffic flow, planned additions include new turn lanes, grading, widened and paved shoulders, improved drainage systems, and the critical element in question—the new shared-use path. According to an announcement, the initial segment will span 3.75 miles and is earmarked for completion in 2027, while the overall project is expected to reach completion by 2033.
For those who cannot attend the open house, the county has made provisions for residents to submit their comments online or by mail. By January 1, 2026, a summation of all feedback will be presented to the board before giving the project the green light. Officials, inclusive of the Highway staff, will be in attendance during the event to provide clarifications and respond to any concerns raised by the community.
For individuals interested in ongoing updates regarding the County Road 20 project, Rice County has made available the option to sign up for notifications. Whether choosing email or text alerts, residents can stay informed about the project's developments by visiting the county's official website. There, one can register to receive timely notifications by selecting the "County Road 20 project notifications" under the "Notify Me" section, ensuring everyone affected remains looped into the project's progress.
