Justice Center Utility Work Brings Lane Shifts to CSAH 134

(KNSI) – Drivers on St. Cloud’s west side will want to plan around road work starting today as crews begin installing sewer and water lines for the new Stearns County Justice Center.

The work runs along County Road 134 from County Road 75 to Cypress Road. The shoulder will be closed, and traffic shifted over. Part of Old Highway 52 is also closed with a detour in place.

Stearns County is asking drivers to take other routes if they can to avoid delays. The utility work is expected to last through the end of October, depending on the weather. C & L Excavating of St. Joseph is the contractor.

The sewer and water lines will serve the Justice Center campus, which is going up at the intersection of County Road 75 and County Road 134. The county held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on June 11th.

When it’s finished, the complex will bring the county’s jail, courts and law enforcement offices together in one place. Plans call for a 270-bed jail, 11 courtrooms, and offices for the sheriff and county attorney. County leaders have said the new building will address long-standing issues at the current jail and courthouses.

The project is budgeted at $291 million, down from an earlier estimate of nearly $324 million. It’s being paid for through a countywide 3/8 cent sales tax voters approved in November 2024, rather than property taxes. Construction is expected to wrap up in spring of 2029.

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