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Robbie Hass
The Cook County MN Highway Department was recently awarded $1.1 million through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) for the Mill the Hill and Bridge Replacement project scheduled for 2024. FLAP grants are competitive grants offered through US DOT FHWA (Federal Highway Administration).
The project will take place along the Gunflint Trail from 5th Avenue West up to Devil Track Road. The entire corridor will have a mill (a new roadway surface) and overlay, the three-lane portion will be widened to four lanes, the culvert over Little Devil Track River will be replaced, and the intersection with Devil Track Road will have turn lanes added.
Funds for this project include the $1.1 million FLAP grant award, plus $1.48 million in federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds which Cook County receives every 5-7 years, and annual State Aid Construction funds.
“Start and end dates have not yet been established,” said Robert Hass, Highway Engineer, “but road work typically starts in mid-May and ends before it snows.” One lane of traffic will remain open at all times. A signalized lighting system will be used to alternate traffic heading up and down the Gunflint Trail. Alternate routes will be encouraged and posted for drivers coming into Grand Marais from the west and east.
A contractor will be hired to do this work. AECOM (engineering firm) is the consultant currently doing the design work.
Materials will be sourced locally and from elsewhere. The Cook County Highway Department will not be doing any of the construction work, as the scope of this type of project is too large.
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