Photos by Deb Gau From left to right, MnDOT project manager Jesse Vlaminck, MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith toss shovelfuls of dirt into the air at a groundbreaking ceremony for major reconstruction on Highway 19 (College Drive) in Marshall.

MARSHALL — It’s a project that’s been years in the making. Now, major reconstruction on Minnesota Highway 19 in Marshall is set to begin.

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, along with state and local officials, gathered in Marshall Friday morning to celebrate with a groundbreaking ceremony.

“I know that this road goes through the heart of Marshall,” Smith said. “(The project) is going to make it smoother and safer, and just work better for everybody in the community.”

“This is really a generational project, so we’re all thrilled to be part of it,” said Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes.

Byrnes said the street reconstruction would not be possible without teamwork from groups including the Minnesota Department of Transportation, city staff, consultants, contractors, and state and national legislators.

The Highway 19 reconstruction project, which will rebuild about 2 miles of College Drive between Marlene Street and Bruce Street, is being made possible with the help of a $15.4 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the federal government.

The first half of the planned construction, from Marlene Street to Main Street, will take place this year. One big change to the roadway will be the addition of a roundabout to replace the three-way intersection near the National Guard Armory.

MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said the planning process for the Highway 19 project started back in 2019.

“For the last few years, we met with city officials, business owners and the residential community through focus groups, open houses, demonstration projects, hearings and many meetings,” Daubenberger said. She said MnDOT’s priorities for the project included improving the condition of the road, better safety for drivers and pedestrians, and making sure to improve city utilities while the roadway was under construction.

“This project proves what’s possible when federal and state agencies, local governments and communities all come together around a common purpose, to build something that matters and something that will last,” said Marshall Public Works Director Jason Anderson.

Smith’s remarks, and a letter from Sen. Amy Klobuchar that was read at the groundbreaking, both called attention to the collaboration that helped make the Highway 19 project possible.

“This project is a tribute to the relentless advocacy of the folks in this community,” Smith said.

“This road is keeping this community connected, and I also know this project is about more than just repairing and replacing some pavement,” she said. “You’re going to be making improvements to water and sewer mains. You’re going to be improving the intersections so that they’re safer and more convenient for folks. It’s going to be greener and more welcoming, and the whole area is going to be safer and work better for drivers and bikers and pedestrians. And that’s exactly the kind of project we should be doing.”

“The project is a great example of what we can accomplish at all levels of government when we are united in a shared vision,” Klobuchar said in her letter. “To meet the demands of a 21st century economy, we need a 21st century infrastructure. Highway 19 is an important, integral corridor that’s a key artery for the economy in this part of the state. This reconstruction … will provide the needed modern, reliable, safe infrastructure to expand economic opportunities, improve safety and accelerate growth in the community.”

“Senator Klobuchar and I are so glad to be able to put our shoulder into bringing a little over $15 million back to the community of Marshall to help make this project a reality,” Smith said. “That is exactly what we should be doing, bringing those tax dollars back to Minnesota, so that Minnesota works better for Minnesotans.

“I know that projects like this really depend on a strong federal partnership, and I just want you to know that I’m doing everything I can in Washington to make sure that we continue to have a strong federal partner to get project like these going and done,” Smith said.