Study Area #3 - Eden Prairie

Estimated Timeline: Summer 2020 - Spring 2026 Estimated Cost: $5.8 million (Construction)

Area 3 in the City of Eden Prairie is located at a sharp bend in the Minnesota River, in an area of very steep slopes. Portions of the slope of the bluff are steeper than 1H:1V, which means the height of the rise is higher than the length of the slope, creating stability concerns. Reaches of the lower Minnesota River are impaired for nutrients and turbidity, and the river has a documented history of excessive erosion and sediment concerns.  Sections of the slope are estimated to experience a rate of erosion at 3 feet per year, contributing to excessive erosion and sedimentation concerns of the Minnesota River.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) and the City of Eden Prairie have been aware of the need for site stabilization since 2008. Several studies have been conducted to select and recommend stabilization measures. In 2018, the Minnesota River Study Area 3 Bluff Stabilization Project was incorporated into the District’s Capital Improvement Project List (2018–2027 Watershed Management Plan) as a project that will be funded in whole or in part by the LMRWD. The proposed project will address the stabilization of approximately 1,200 feet of actively eroding bluff toe on the outside bend of the Minnesota River and stabilize the meander bend to prevent further migration and erosion downstream. In 2021, the LMRWD began work with Inter-Fluve to evaluate previous recommendations to stabilize this area. 

A watershed-based funding grant from the Clean Water Land & Legacy Fund was awarded to the District in 2021. Additional funding was secured as part of the 2023 Legislative session. In 2024, project development advanced through 60 percent design and the completion of archaeological, boundary, and legal surveys.

In 2025, as design and permitting was underway, the LMRWD explored funding alternatives to move forward with plans to stabilize Area 3. Because of the size and timing of the project, bonds were explored as a funding source to move forward before a critical failure.

During the 90% design phase, Barr Engineering and Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) were onboarded to finalize designs for bank stabilization as well as the decommissioning of a City stormwater pond, which was found to have a contributing impact on the erosion rate and severity.

Construction began in November 2025 following a public hearing on the authorization and funding. Construction is scheduled for substantial completion by the end of February 2026 with final completion in May 2026.

Once constructed, the project will reduce a significant amount of erosion and reduce the risk to bluff properties. Project success will be measured by quantifying the total amount of sediment lost to date and by comparing it to the amount of sediment stabilized by the project.

The project website will be updated during construction so residents and stakeholders can stay appraised of progress and activities onsite.

Project Resources

SRF Consulting: Erosion Stabilization Study (October 2008)Wenck Assoc: Minnesota River Bank Bluff Stabilization Report (February 2010)Young Environmental: Board Report & Recommendations (January 2020)Young Environmental: Site Visit Meeting Summary (May 2020)Young Environmental: Area 3 Slope Stablility Project Update (October 2020)Inter-Fluve: Area 3 Findings and Alternative Review Memorandum (May 2021)Barr Engineering: Engineer Memorandum of Bid Review (October 2025)LMRWD: Update and History of Area 3 Project (November 2025)LMRWD: Staff Review and Scenarios (November 2025)MN Department of Administration: Predesign Exemption Letter (October 2025)DDA Financial Advisors: Project Financing Recommendation Letter (October 2025)

Construction Closeout (Coming Soon)