MN Department of Transportation Meeting

The City of Grand Marais hosted Robert R. Ege, MN DOT District Traffic Engineer out of the Duluth Traffic Office this morning. Attendees included Mayor Hakes, Councilors Kay Costello and Tim Kennedy, City Administrator Mike Roth, and City Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor. Several interested members of the general public were also in attendance and were able to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

The purpose of this two-hour meeting was to discuss potential short term and long term solutions to traffic and pedestrian safety issues in the City of Grand Marais. About half of the meeting was discussion, the second half of the meeting was a walking tour. Both were helpful.

One of the major concerns addressed was how to reduce the speed of traffic as it goes through Grand Marais along Highway 61. If the 30 mph speed limit could be moved further west to the top of the hill at the west end of the city it would be extremely helpful. Rob Ege will check into this and will advise.

The near-term ideas and possible solutions discussed today were:
- Move the 30 mph speed limit further west (top of the hill)
- Purchase and install permanent "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the 30 mph sign
- Purchase/borrow (from MN DOT) "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" sign for special events
- Re-paint existing crosswalks
- Create (1) new crosswalk now

Several traffic/pedestrian problem areas were identified including the areas around 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), the Dairy Queen, the Post Office and the Hospital. Long term, the City intends to continue working with MN DOT to build more pedestrian crosswalks, curb & gutters, sidewalks where appropriate. Today's meeting was the first step.

Funding for these projects is, of course, important. Ege said there is possible funding (up to 80%) for safety projects through a Highway Safety Improvement Project. Ege will provide information to us on this potential funding source.

The information gathered today will be discussed with the full City Council at the next meeting on May 27, 2009 so the Council can determine future actions.