Street Maintenance

We annually receive several traffic sign requests from residents. The majority of these sign requests generally relate to concerns for speeding and/or other careless driving behavior. When these requests involve changes to the number or locations of stop signs, speed limits, or parking restrictions (or generally red and white or black and white signs), State law requires City Council action to make those changes. City staff typically prepares the necessary studies and/or reports for City Council consideration. 

In the case of requests for yellow and black warning signs, City staff analyze these requests and places or modifies signs in general accordance with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD), which is a specific, local version of a broader, comprehensive, federal document. These documents guide local road authorities in the placement of signs and help to ensure consistency from City to City, County to County, State to State, etc. The MMUTCD is cited as a guiding document and the best overall resource for experts involved in all facets of traffic control and sign placement. It is usually referenced in litigation arising from motor vehicle accidents as well. For these reasons, City staff relies heavily upon the guidelines and principles contained therein. 

If you notice street lights on during the day or off at night, please contact one of the following companies:

1. Xcel Energy - 1-800-960-6235 or online
2. Connexus Energy - 763-323-2650 or online

Flooding occurs in the springtime or after a heavy rainfall. 

Springtime flooding is due to the warmer temperatures causing the rapid melting of snow and ice. Each cubic foot of compacted snow contains gallons of water. Frozen land prevents melting snow from seeping into the ground. The water then runs off the surface and flows into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks. With that, city storm drains may still be frozen and plugged with ice as well. In order to clear them up, contact us at 651-462-0575 or by email and let us know where.

Flash Flooding & Heavy Rainfalls occur when the drains can't keep up. City sewers can only handle a certain amount of flow and when sewers are overloaded, they can backup into residents' basements. To avoid this problem, the City uses catch basin covers that limit how fast water can enter the sewer system. These restricted catch basin covers cause temporary ponding on residential streets during rainstorms. The ponded water is typically less than 12" deep at the edge of the road. This allows vehicles to drive through the center of the road (with caution) where the water depth is less deep. Also, because the restricted catch basin covers have only 2 or 4 openings/slots, it is easy for leaves, grass clippings, debris, etc. to clog the openings and cause excess street flooding. If you see a clogged cover, feel free to clear the debris or reach out to us at 651-462-0575 or by email and let us know where. 

For sinkhole information, go here.

For weight road restriction information, go here. 

All City streets are swept in the Spring of each year. Wyoming conducts an annual Street Sweeping Program that involves the removal of the residual sand resulting from snow and ice control maintenance. Areas of the City served by City water are swept first to keep ahead of hydrant flushing, which can wash sand into wetlands. Areas without City water are then swept. Residents can help by keeping vehicles off City streets when sweeping crews are in their neighborhoods. With good weather and no breakdowns, it takes about 7 to 8 days to complete sweeping all City streets. After street sweeping is completed, street maintenance will begin. This includes patching of roads, catch basin repairs, boulevard maintenance, curb repairs, hydrant flushing, manhole and water main valve adjustments, seal coating projects, crack filling projects and drainage maintenance. In areas where construction activities are not fully completed, the Building Department arranges for the streets to be swept on a regular basis by the Project Developer. 

Each spring and fall, the City flushes fire hydrants to ensure that all hydrants are operating properly and to clear sediment build-up. After flushing, residents may notice a rusty look to tap water and should let water run 2-5 minutes until clear. This includes washing machines, showers, and hot water heaters (if your softened water is discolored after flushing, we recommend that you manually recharge your softener). Care must be taken when washing white clothes. Although the water may be discolored, it is perfectly safe to drink.

Spring Schedule:  April - May

Fall Schedule: September - October

The City requests that residents park their cars further away from hydrants during the time periods when flushing takes place.