Minnesota TH 61 North Shore Scenic Drive

Abstract

This report summarizes the reconstruction of TH 61 from Duluth to the Canadian border, and the consultative processes used prior to reconstruction. It takes an engineering perspective and does not include an assessment of water resources or public use of the shoreline, although reconstruction would necessarily have impacts on both. The report casts the reconstruction of TH 61 in a very positive light, and does not contain public commentary. Key segments are extracted and reproduced below. "The Minnesota Department of Transportation's (Mn/DOT's) reconstruction and realignment of TH 61 along Lake Superior's Good Harbor Bay illustrates a context sensitive design approach that balanced transportation, community, and environmental needs without requiring exceptions to geometric design standards. This project also illustrates context sensitive design that did not arise out of contentious public involvement and controversy but rather out of proactive project management and involvement of stakeholders. The specific effects of a lower design speed (55mph rather than the proposed 70mh) were to allow the highway alignment to be shifted and design flexibility to be accomplished without the need for exceptions to geometric design standards. Full lane widths and shoulder widths and appropriate roadside design for safety was possible for the alignment based on the lower design speed. Finally, the effect of the lower speed resulted in Mn/DOT saving considerable construction costs by avoiding extensive rock cuts. Mn/DOT went beyond avoidance, though. Consistent with MNDOT's context sensitive commitments and proactive stakeholder involvement, consensus was reached in determining project purpose and need to balance transportation, community, and environmental objectives. Specifically, a consensus was reached that selecting a lower design speed appropriate for the project characteristics would provide the flexibility to shift roadway alignment and balance project objectives without requiring exceptions to geometric design standards. As part of the overall project, given the vision of the stakeholders and importance of the route as a resource, Mn/DOT seized the opportunity to enhance the environment by the following actions: A. Alignment shift provided additional space to enable the expansion and reconstruction of the Cutface Creek Rest Area; B. Mn/DOT undertook the stabilization of a shoreline erosion problem; C. Cutface Creek bank stabilization was accomplished. The application of appropriate and context sensitive design flexibility during project development led to a successful balance of transportation, community, and environmental needs that are served by the constructed project. The constructed project also met four key measures of design excellence: 1) community acceptance, 2) environmental compatibility, 3) engineering and functional credibility, and 4) financial feasibility.”