By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

The plans for completing the CSAH 17/South Lakeshore Drive project were presented to the Pope County Board of Commissioners at last week’s meeting. During the regular county board meeting, commissioners asked County Engineer Brian Giese about the width specified in the plans, pipe and culvert sizes to be utilized, funding availability and timelines for programming the project in a particular season, intention on use of pedestrian and speed signage, drainage tile and lines in the right of way and their measurements. A basic review of the project as proposed. This portion of the regular board meeting was recessed until the following evening to allow for a public presentation of preliminary construction plans.

In November of 2015, the anticipated scope of work limited to bituminous surfacing as a mill and overlay project was a possibility. Several property owners along the route disputed the width of the existing right-of-way, delaying the project. Since then, pavement conditions along the project corridor have continued to deteriorate and the scope of the project has changed from a resurfacing project to a long overdue reconstruction project.

The project’s purpose is to address the deteriorating pavement conditions on the road, to address traffic and pedestrian operations and safety issues and to preserve the historic and scenic characteristics of the roadway. The project is intended to consider and address the current needs of the roadway that result in a surface life of at least 20 years and the ability to extend roadway life through timely future pavement preservation projects.

Alternatives to the project as planned prove to be impractical, not valid or are made irrelevant by the condition of the current roadway.

The current plan as presented addresses the safety and accessibility of all road users with specific emphasis on pedestrian safety. It includes design elements that prevent and protect against erosion as well as any potential pollutants draining into Lake Minnewaska through storm water runoff. The tree removal of the project is already completed except for a couple of trees that will depend on road placement, but this was done as minimally invasive as possible.

The desires of the residents that live along the route as well as the requirements by the state have been heard and addressed and a design created that is within the limitations with the exception of a variance that was approved by MnDOT. 

The current issue holding back the project is a lawsuit that addresses concerns of drainage and runoff. A court date is not set but should happen in October or November. A second option was shown to those in attendance that would add ditches and swales (shallow channels with gently sloping sides) to make the roadway look more rural, but this change would disturb more property and trees.

The plan addresses the replacement of existing signs along with an addition of in-street pedestrian signage and driver feedback signs. Mailbox installation will also be completed with new posts that swing away. 

Residents with existing private utility conduits or water lines for sprinkler systems and electrical that go under the roadway will be eligible to apply for a permit to have conduit installed that extends the width of the roadway in order to continue using those services. 

The current intent of the project is to avoid any tile lines. The recent work to remove the trees will be completed with the plans in place to arrange for grinding stumps and restoring those areas with turf and then to work with landowners to restore some of the trees.

Bill Peters from Peters Resort attended the meeting. “Our season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A project like this would be very intrusive on our season. Would that section be able to be completed after that time?” Giese responded that the project was originally planned to start after Labor Day with completion in mid-October.

“I’m concerned about traffic speeds. People will drive how they feel comfortable without trees and more space. I’m concerned they will drive faster. It may be worthwhile to consider what happens and if there are things that can be done in the future to address this,” stated Dave Munn, another resident of CSAH 17. 

“I understand the concern and appreciate the comments. I don’t think it will prove to be accurate. Studies that are completed with this information are done so with wider driving lanes and without the variance approvals we have,” stated Giese.

Resident Julie Peters disagreed with Giese’s comment as well as others that live along the street. “Speed and safety are huge concerns. It’s sad to see kids out there playing.” Another resident stated that people are going a lot faster than the posted speed limit. Commissioner Wagner stated that a lot of the speeders are people that live on the route.

Jean and Doug Fredrick would like the project to just continue and get done because of its poor condition. “We can’t even bike leisurely along there because the shoulders are in such disrepair.” 

Another resident asked how many proposals have been completed in the last 20 years? “How long is this going to go on? I’ve been hearing it since I was a kid and I just want it to get done,” he said. “Why can’t we do a mill and fill?” 

Giese responded that a mill and fill was completed on a 400-foot section not long ago and has already failed, making it an option that is not sustainable. 

Following no more comments, Commissioner Gerde made a motion to adjourn and Commissioner Lindor seconded.