In a press release titled “Revising the 10-Year Transportation Plan,” the Cook County Highway Department announced that three projects scheduled to be completed this year are postponed until the 2025 construction season.
The three are:
1. Gunflint Trail “Mill the Hill” and Little Devil Track River bridge replacement.
2. Tofte Park Road reconstruction.
3. Spruce Creek bridge replacement on Cascade Beach Road
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the move at its March 26, 2024 meeting.
The Highway Department cited several reasons for delaying the projects.
Design changes on each project resulted in longer design times. Permitting agencies, citing staff shortages, caused longer permit review times. Community engagement has also been a factor.
The release states, “Cook County (Highway Dept.) wants to make sure that the project they deliver has incorporated as much as possible from what they hear from those affected by the project.”
With relatively few contractors available to do large-scale construction projects in Cook County, it is important to have projects out for bid as soon as possible. This ensures multiple bids are received and pricing is reflective of the market. Each of the three projects postponed will have the design phase completed this Spring, with bid requests out later this year.
The “Mill the Hill” project will resurface the Gunflint Trail from 5th Ave W up to the four corners intersection at Devil Track Road and Golf Course Road. As part of this project, a fourth travel/bypass lane will be added from the curve heading up the hill to Pincushion Drive; intersection improvements will be made at Cutoff Road, Old Ski Hill Road, and Devil Track Road. A bridge will replace the existing culvert at the Little Devil Track River. Bridge construction allows the Little Devil Track River to be restored to its natural habitat, and it is part of another stream restoration project with Cook SWCD.
After public engagement meetings held by the Highway Department, the Tofte Park Road/CR 24 project will reconstruct the east section of the roadway for better drainage. It will also be improved to handle better the heavier vehicles operated by the Tofte Volunteer Fire Department.
The Highway Department encourages citizens with questions about these projects to call 218-387-3014 or email robert.hass@co.cook.mn.us.
