A decision on whether to widen a section of 2nd Avenue in Ashmont has been delayed until spring, after County of St. Paul council voted to table the project to allow for further review of drainage concerns.

Council revisited the issue at its Dec. 9 meeting after initially tabling the proposal on Nov. 25. Public Works returned with updated cost estimates for both a full road widening and a drainage-only option.

Director of Public Works Scott Jeffery told council a combined widening and drainage project would cost about $54,400, while drainage work alone, including culvert replacement, gravel base, and restoration, would cost just under $10,000.

Coun. Dale Hedrick, who represents the Ashmont area, said drainage-only work would not address the primary concern raised by residents. He told council the street is too narrow for on-street parking, creating tight traffic conditions and making it difficult for residents to safely back out of their driveways.

Jeffery cautioned against partial solutions, explaining that widening only a short section of road or addressing drainage without adjusting the road width could create safety issues where vehicles move from a wider section back to a narrower one.

Some councillors questioned whether the full project was necessary. Coun. Maxine Fodness asked whether traffic volumes justified a project costing more than $50,000, noting she was able to drive through the area without difficulty even with a vehicle parked along the street.

Reeve Glen Ockerman also raised questions about traffic levels. Jeffery responded that traffic is not heavy, but the road’s narrow width can make conditions tight.

Fodness said she would prefer the matter be revisited in the spring, particularly given the combined drainage and safety considerations. Coun. Darrell Younghans agreed and made a motion to table the item to allow Public Works additional time to review drainage in the area.

Council carried the motion, delaying any decision on widening 2nd Avenue in Ashmont until spring.