Street Rehabilitation FAQs

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Street rehabilitation projects help prolong the life of a street. The projects are less disruptive to residents and cost significantly less than street reconstruction projects. This page contains answers to residents' frequently asked questions about the process.

What does a street rehabilitation project include?

This type of project includes either a mill and overlay (M&O), a full depth reclamation (FDR), or a combination of both. Neither of these types of projects is a complete reconstruction, and the street will not be perfect when completed.

A mill and overlay (M&O) includes removing the top layer of asphalt (typically 2 inches) and repaving the surface with new asphalt.

A full depth reclamation (FDR) includes grinding the entire asphalt and gravel section of the road, recompacting the reclaimed material, and repaving the surface with new asphalt.

Why isn't a reconstruction project planned?

Several factors influence the type of street improvement selected such as age and condition of the street and underlying utilities. Recent street ratings show the streets in the project area meeting the street rehabilitation criteria. Additionally, reconstruction projects are extremely invasive projects that take the entire summer to construct and project costs would be several times higher (including assessments).

Street Rehabilitation Project: Before and After Photos



Before	After

Will I be charged for the cost of the project?

The City Council has adopted a Public Improvement Special Assessment Policy that assesses adjacent, benefiting property owners a portion of the cost of the improvement. The Public Improvement Special Assessments webpage contains information regarding special assessment amounts and payment options. Project specific information will be mailed to all property owners where special assessments are proposed in the months leading up to the start of construction.

How can I pay for this assessment?

What does the paint mean?

How will the project impact me, can I access my driveway?

Impacts to residents during the project are typically minor. The contractor will typically work on one lane at a time while keeping the other open to traffic. The contractor will typically work in front of a resident’s home twice – once to mill or reclaim the road, which takes roughly 30 minutes, and again at a later date for paving, which may take up to an hour. Residents will be able to get in and out of their driveways during the project but may experience a slight delay if the contractor is working in front of their home. Contractors are typically willing to work with residents to get vehicles in and out with minimal wait.

How long will the project last?

There is standing water in the street, will it be corrected?

How long will the new street last?

The curb was nicked during the project. Is that normal?

The new overlay cracked after the winter. Is that normal?

After the first winter season following a mill and overlay project, you may notice cracks that appear in the new overlay. These cracks are usually the result of reflective cracking, where the cracks in the old roadway reflect through the new surface, or thermal cracking, which is common in cold weather climates. Both kinds of cracking are typical for a mill and overlay project and do not affect the expected lifespan of the new street.

Who should I contact if I have questions now or during construction?

City of Plymouth, MN

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Street Rehabilitation FAQs