A while ago I wrote about the efforts of Crow Wing County Highway Department to look at County Road 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. The point of the effort was to be proactive in looking at future needs for this corridor and address safety issues as much as the budget will provide.
Through that discussion there surfaced four study areas, three of them in Breezy Point. These include the roadway section by the Eagleview Elementary School, the area near the Ice Arena including Ranchette and lastly Whitebirch Drive. The county is seeking grant funds for improvements to these areas and a recent discussion with the city council that concurred with the need for improvements to these areas.
What is being considered would be a right and left turn lanes in both directions at the school entrance intersection. The east bound right turn is proposed to be detached somewhat south allowing for sight lines to be open to traffic exiting the school. This is similar to what was done in the commercial stretch on 371 in Baxter. Having right and left turn lanes here provide for more efficient traffic flow. It is also hoped that a left turn lane can be done at the school bus driveway.
In the area of the Ice Arena the existing two access points to County Road 11 would be closed in favor of one slightly to the west. Ranchette would also see right and left turn lanes in both directions. This will improve traffic flow here and also address the volume of traffic used by this intersection.
Although grant funding is limited it is hoped that a right turn lane and westbound bypass lane is available for Whitebirch Drive. Road construction is an expensive proposition and with only $500,000 available, assuming grant funding is received, it can only go so far.
An open house is scheduled at Eagleview Elementary School for December 15, between 5-7 pm. Maps and costs will be available for review. Come early as the school has a Christmas concert that night starting at 7:00 pm. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals under discussion.
Assuming funding is available these improvements will be accomplished this summer. These would be installed along with the mill and overlay project that is planned between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Here’s hoping it all comes together.
