Snapshot: What’s With the Big ‘X’ Along Highway 5 in Oakdale?

It’s a geodetic survey marker.

For those wondering about the big white “X” along Highway 5 in Oakdale, it’s one of about 100 across Washington County that were put out as part of an aerial survey project, said John Baer, survey project coordinator with Washington County Public Works.

The photos from the aerial survey, done every two years, are used for the county’s geographic information systems, Baer said.

“We’re just waiting for a clear day so the planes can fly,” he said.

There are other markers in Wisconsin and Chisago County, and some have been painted on streets (those will eventually fade away), Baer said.

It is the first year the county has used the marking system.

Baer said officials are trying to complete the survey before the leaves start to bud, and will pick up the markers once the survey is completed.

The X is on an embankment between Highway 120 and Granada Avenue on the north side of Highway 5.

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