Mid-Trail traffic and speeding pose safety risk

 

Throughout Minnesota, something other than COVID is threatening our safety, according to John Harrington, Department of Public Safety. Last year more than 1,000 Minnesotans were ticketed for going over 100 mph. Margaret Anderson-Kelliher, Commissioner of MnDOT, says, “It’s time for people to have direct conversations about speeding.”

In Cook County this is also an issue, and it’s not just tourists who are speeding on the roadways. One of the year-round residents on Washout Road, reported seeing local individuals, including local commercial trucks, going well beyond the speed limit. That individual recently made a phone call to a local business owner to share his personal observation of his local business delivery truck going well over the speed limit. The business owner agreed the driver needed to slow down and follow the recommended speed limit.

So, what is well over the speed limit? Cook County Sheriff, Pat Eliason, recently provided extra enforcement in the mid-trail area, due to the large number of complaints about speeding. Deputy Will Sandstrom clocked one individual going 80 mph in a 40-mph zone in the area near Trail Center. If you’re doing the math, that is twice the legal limit!

This is a substantial risk for an accident or fatality, given there are many mailboxes where people or businesses need to cross the Gunflint Trail to receive their mail. A few of those are located near dangerous curves, too. People use the Gunflint Trail, which has a narrow shoulder, for walking dogs, biking, hiking, and other activities. People have experienced some close calls this summer!

Also, it is important to keep wildlife safe; tragically both a moose and fox, along with numerous grouse, other birds, and small mammals have been struck and killed by speeding vehicles this year. In an effort to avoid accidents due to speeding– whether animal or human– the Sheriff ’s Department brought up temporary electronic speed signs. Those yellow flashing signs tell a driver his/her speed and let the driver know to immediately decrease their speed.

In addition to the Sheriff ’s Department, the County Highway Department has been contacted. Both Robbie Haas, the Highway Engineer, and Josh Dix, Cook County Maintenance Supervisor, are aware of the problems. Mona Hanson, a resident living on Leo Lake, inquired about updating the painting on the crosswalks mid-trail. Repainting crosswalks in addition to determining the best signage will be examined.

Michael Semon, another mid-Gunflint Trail resident, pointed out that some of the lodges located midtrail have facilities on both sides of the trail, requiring patrons to cross the road. “This makes for a sometimes harrowing experience when vehicles do not slow down.” He told his county commissioner about the fact that several individuals have placed homemade signs up to try and encourage people to slow down. “Sometimes those signs work, but most of the time they do not, especially when it comes to the heavy construction vehicles (dump trucks, heavy equipment haulers) and large delivery trucks (food delivery semis, beverage delivery, lumber).”

District 4 Commissioner, Ann Sullivan, has been in communication with several mid-trail residents concerned about safety along the Gunflint Trail. She remarked the speeding behavior didn’t just begin this year; she recalled seeing signs mid-trail by Trail Center and NorWester in the past. But it appears the problem in Cook County has gotten worse, mirroring our statewide speed problems. Ann recently requested that Nancy Seaton, Hungry Jack Outfitters, put this safety item on the next Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway agenda. Permanent signage, painted crosswalks, radar speed displays, lengthening the 40-mph area and eliminating a mid-trail passing zone are all on the table. Commissioner Sullivan and representation from the Highway Department will be in attendance at that September meeting where this safety issue is further addressed. It is hoped through a collaborative effort between residents, businesses, and government, we can keep the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway safe for everyone to enjoy.