Crews are back at work tearing up pavement in downtown Chaska as part of a major $26 million street reconstruction project.

The city is in the third year of a multiyear project to replace all utility lines and streets in the downtown area. The work includes installing a stormwater collection system for the first time.

This year's schedule includes construction around all sides of two blocks and part of a third on the east side of downtown. Officials have assured residents of continued access to their homes.

Some citizens objected to the number of trees planned to be cut down. Chaska's City Council recently amended the project to reduce sidewalk widths slightly and skip the idea of medians along 2nd Street to preserve as many mature trees as possible.

This year's construction is expected to end by early November. It does not affect Hwy. 41, the city's busiest thoroughfare that runs north and south through downtown as Chestnut Street.

tom meersman

@stribmeers