Construction Begins on Area 3 Bank Stabilization
Posted: 12/18/25
Following a public hearing on November 5, 2025, the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) authorized construction of the Area 3 Bank Stabilization Project and filed a resolution for the sale of project bonds to fund the large-scale construction.
Project Need
Located in Eden Prairie, at a sharp bend in the Minnesota River, the project will stabilize 1,200 feet of actively eroding bluff toes on the outside bend of the Minnesota River, stabilizing the meander bend to prevent further migration and erosion downstream. The area has very steep slopes, which creates stability concerns – both for residents at the top of the bluff and for the potential impact of sedimentation in the event of a failure. The project also involves decommissioning a City stormwater pond, which was found to be contributing to the erosion. A permanent armored floodplain barrier will be placed for the City storm sewer outfall to prevent future erosion.
Funding
The $5.8 million estimated cost of constructing the riverbank stabilization will be funded through a $2.7 million grant from the State of Minnesota and a $400,000 Cost Share from the City of Eden Prairie and tax levies within the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District.
Construction Schedule
Construction began in November 2025 following a public hearing on the authorization and funding. Construction is scheduled for substantial completion by the end of February 2026 with final completion in May 2026.
Milestone Dates
- November 7, 2025 – Notice of Award
- November 18, 2025 – Pre-construction meeting
- November 24, 2025 – Construction Prep Begins
- December 2025 – Construction Begins with Earthwork
- February 27, 2026 – Substantial Completion
- May 15, 2026 – Final Completion
For a detailed project schedule by construction activity, view the full schedule here.
Inactive Dates
- Thanksgiving: No work on 11/27/25 and 11/28/25
- Christmas: No work for the week of 12/22/25
- New Year’s: No work for the week of 12/29/25
Hours of Construction Operations
- Monday-Friday, 7am to 7pm
- Saturday, 9am-7pm by request to City
- Contractor intends to work Monday – Friday (generally sunrise to sunset)
Safety
Neighboring communities should not access the construction site or trespass beyond marked zones. The LMRWD will provide regular updates on the website for those who are interested in tracking progress.
Future Outcomes
Once constructed, the project will reduce a significant amount of erosion and reduce the risk to bluff properties. Project success will be measured by quantifying the total amount of sediment lost to date and by comparing it to the amount of sediment stabilized by the project.
Learn more
The project website will be updated during construction so residents and stakeholders can stay appraised of progress and activities onsite. To learn more about the project background, visit the project page.
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Weekly Contractor Progress Updates:
Regular progress will be tracked here during construction to share progress with neighboring communities and stakeholders who are interested.
November 18, 2025: Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) began construction with a pre-construction conference meeting. The process initiates the project team, solidifying roles and responsibilities as well as procedures and timeline. The status of permits was confirmed with the project schedule identified.
November 24, 2025: Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) moved in a gate, which will be closed and locked at night. A “No Trespassing” sign was placed. Permits are secured or underway for both (1) City right-of-way and the (2) City Land Alteration permit. Installation began on the erosion control measures. Clearing and grubbing activities began, with a topographic survey in progress. Live stake harvesting and winter seeding began to stabilize the area. Trail access at the west end of the site is gated and controlled by the owner.
December 5, 2025: Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) installed erosion control and began staging the area for excavation and grading and hosted the erosion control meeting with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
December 15, 2025: The access road, staging area, and ramp from the staging area to the riverbank were completed. Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) began excavation and riprap replacement at the east end of Launchable Toe and work westward. The pre-construction survey work is complete, all permits have been obtained, and bio-logs and erosion control measures will be maintained during warmer weather.
December 22, 2025: Note that Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) does not plan to work during the week of the holiday (Christmas). As work is paused, the site will be restricted using construction fencing. The site includes “No Trespassing” signs for clarity.
December 29, 2025: Note that Sunram Construction Inc. (Contractor) does not plan to work during the week of the holiday (New Year's Day). As work is paused, the site will be restricted using construction fencing. The site includes “No Trespassing” signs for clarity.
January 5, 2026: Construction will resume with detailed updates forthcoming on the website.
Check back for regular updates as construction continues in 2026!
