Grand Marais Corridor Trail
Cook County, MinnesotaThe Grand Marais Corridor Trail significantly improved bicycle and pedestrian safety in Grand Marais. HGA provided preliminary and final design engineering for the project. Located along the magnificent North Shore of Lake Superior, within a community with a seasoned history and growing tourist activity, there was a wide range of views about the trail project. The project included a thorough public involvement process with many large group and individual property owner meetings. Finding a trail alignment and typical section that minimized impacts to the existing corridor features while complying with specific Mn/DOT design requirements was a challenge. Residents are often concerned about changes that may impact trees, parking stalls, driveway configurations, or drainage patterns. The use of TEA-21 transportation enhancement funding required compliance with Mn/DOT State Aid Rules and specific design standards. On-going consultation with property owners and reviewing agencies provided a solution that recognized the important concerns.