I have written in the past about the process and progress that was being made with the improvements proposed for Co. Rd. 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. Crow Wing County had undertaken a study of this corridor to develop a greater understanding of the needs that exist from a traffic safety standpoint. They also wanted to take a futuristic look at what might happen when the 371 Bypass is built in Pequot Lakes. This is anticipated for 2018 and when built, traffic patterns will change. Anticipating how things might change helps to anticipate how best to manage the future.
Through this study process a Task Force was established to help the county better understand local needs and perspectives. The Task Force was composed of local public officials. The Task Force worked with a consultant Traffic Engineer on a plan that would enhance traffic movements while also providing for safety improvements. With these things in mind those areas of concern were identified and possible solutions were posed.
One of these situations was the possibility of closing the access to Wildwood Lane from Co. Road 11. This would require the diversion of traffic down Ski Chalet to Ranchette Drive to access Co. Rd. 11 at that location. As the process occurred two Public Open Houses were held to let the public know what was occurring and what was being considered. The second Open House was held on February 23rd and residents who held property which gained access off of Wildwood Lane were specifically invited to attend. At the meeting the issues were explained and comments were heard from the residents. The comments received showed little support for the closing of this access point. The primary concerns included extended driving access times and distances, additional emergency response times and the need to provide other improvements to support the closure.
At the March 5th City Council meeting the City Council conserved the question of closure of Wildwood Lane to Co. Rd. 11 and rejected the idea. They also made suggestions for improvements for the county to consider. One such improvement, a bypass lane, will be considered by the county for implementation however the project is driven by the budget available and if the additional work can be accommodated it will be done. The entire project includes, in addition to a mill and overlay, improvements at Ranchette and at Eagle View Elementary School. It is hoped there are sufficient funds to do the additional work but we will not know until the bids are received.
