A cultural resources study along Flying Cloud Drive is the first sign of progress in a roads project that seeks to quell seasonal flooding along the Minnesota River from Chanhassen to Eden Prairie.

In the coming two weeks, residents and drivers will see workers along the roadside digging up soil samples as part of a study required by the federal government before road construction can start.

The study's aim is to determine whether items of historical significance lie in the project area. An architectural history survey also will indicate whether any nearby buildings should be on the National Register of Historic Places.

The survey area runs along Flying Cloud Drive, also called County Road 61, from Hwy. 101 in Chanhassen to Charlson Road in Eden Prairie. The reconstruction is slated to start in 2015 and last through 2017.

Hennepin County's plan calls for building a new two-lane roadway with shoulders, a continuous left-turn lane, and right-turn lanes at key intersections, with a multiuse trail on the road's north side.

ROCHELLE OLSON

@rochelleolson