Dakota County and the City of Inver Grove Heights will construct a trail on the east side of Babcock Trail. The trail is between Upper 55th Street and Interstate 494.
The city and county completed design in 2024 and right-of-way acquisition in early 2025.
Project overview
The project includes:
- Trail on the east side of Babcock Trail
- Curb and gutter on the east side of Babcock Trail
- New storm sewer
- Accessibility improvements
- Partial repaving of Babcock Trail
Road closures and detours
A section of Cenex Drive next to Babcock Lane is closed for the week of June 1 to allow for utility relocation. A detour for Cenex Drive is signed on Babcock Trail and Upper 55th St. to the south end of Cenex Drive.
Construction progress
Week of June 15
The northbound lane of Babcock Trail is closed between Upper 55th St and the I-494 bridge. Please follow the posted detours.
- Excavating and installing of storm sewer will begin on the east side of Babcock Trail and advance northward
- Excavating the trail bed is expected to begin late in the week.
Project timeline
June-August 2026
Contact
If you have questions or comments on the project, please contact:
Paul Merchlewicz, PE
City Engineer, Inver Grove Heights
651-450-2572
pmerchlewicz@ighmn.gov