Klobuchar visits Worthington for planned road project

U.S. Sen Amy Klobuchar paid a visit to Worthington on Monday, meeting with city officials and seeing first-hand the site of a future major road construction project.

Worthington was one just two Minnesota cities -- Duluth being the other -- to receive a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (or, RAISE) grant this past year. Road construction will take place from U.S. 59 from Interstate 90 to Oxford Street, then proceed east to Oxford Street/Minnesota 60 roundabout.

A $15.14 million grant was awarded for the project, which is slated to begin with construction on U.S. 59 in 2027 and continue with the Oxford Street phase the following year. One component of the work will include three new roundabouts, which will be located at Ryan's Road as well on the north and south sides of I-90 and replace the current diamond layout.

Klobuchar also visited with city leaders about the need for more housing in the community. City Administrator Steve Robinson told Klobuchar that the city has invested close to $5 million buying land for housing, adding that market-rate rental housing remains the biggest need. 

Robinson and others noted that the costs for construction of residences is just as high -- or even more -- than in the Twin Cities area, resulting in an affordability gap for developers and buyers. He urged Klobuchar to advocate for federal funding for housing, and then in turn let cities like Worthington to use the money without restrictions to meet those needs.

Amy Klobuchar with Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson.