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Watertown to Hold Public Hearing on 5th Avenue North Sidewalk Project

Blue wheelchair symbol on a curb ramp with yellow edges near a crosswalk. Concrete sidewalk and green grass in the background.
This photo is only a representation of the story and not actually what the CIty of Watertown is constructing

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Property owners along 5th Avenue North may soon see new sidewalks as the Watertown City Council prepares to consider Resolution No. 26-10 during its meeting tomorrow night, March 16, 2026.


The resolution declares a "necessity" for sidewalk improvements between 4th Street NW and 4th Street NE as part of a larger 2026 neighborhood street reconstruction project.


ADA Compliance and Pedestrian Safety

The project is driven by the city's ongoing commitment to the 2007 Transition Plan for Sidewalk Accessibility and the 2021 Master Transportation Plan. These plans prioritize bringing pedestrian infrastructure up to Federal ADA standards and filling in missing sidewalk gaps throughout the community.


Currently, while most of the road has sidewalks, many sections do not meet modern accessibility requirements. The proposed plan would replace non-compliant sections with ADA-compliant curb ramps and 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the road to improve safety and connectivity.


Cost-Sharing for Homeowners

The total cost for the sidewalk installation is estimated at $29.86 per linear foot. However, the City of Watertown offers a Sidewalk Cost Participation program that reduces the burden on local residents.


·        City Contribution: $20.00 per linear foot.

·        Landowner Responsibility: $9.86 per linear foot.


Landowners will be assessed based on the actual as-constructed linear feet installed along their property. Lots that already feature fully ADA-compliant sidewalks will be excluded from the assessment.


Full Street Reconstruction

The sidewalk work is just one piece of Project No. 2503, a comprehensive neighborhood upgrade slated to begin construction in 2026. In addition to pedestrian improvements, the project includes:


· Full-depth grading and asphalt surfacing.

·        New curb and gutter.

·        Storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main upgrades.


Public Hearing Details

A formal public hearing will be held at 5:30 P.M. tomorrow night in the City Council Chambers. During this time, the council will consider any objections from property owners liable to be assessed before moving to adopt the resolution.


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