The Cook County Highway Department is delaying three projects, originally scheduled for 2024 construction, to the 2025 construction season. They include the following:

• Gunflint Trail “Mill the Hill” and Little Devil Track River bridge replacement
• Tofte Park Road reconstruction
• Spruce Creek bridge replacement on Cascade Beach Road

This change was presented to and approved by the board of commissioners on March 26, 2024. Each of these projects presented unique reasons for being delayed. Design changes have occurred on each of them resulting in longer design times. Staffing shortages at permitting agencies have caused longer than expected review times. Community engagement, which is a great reason for a delay, has also been a factor. Cook County wants to make sure that the project they deliver has incorporated as much as possible from what they hear from those affected by the project. These reasons and some others cause projects to take longer to finalize.

There are few contractors who do large scale construction projects up here, so it is a priority we get projects out for bid as soon as possible. This ensures we get a good price and multiple bidders to verify that the price we are getting is reflective of the market. The good news is that each of these projects will have design wrapped up in a month or so meaning we are in an excellent position to get these out for bid late Fall/early Winter 2024. More information on our 2024 projects can be found here: https://co.cook.mn.us/news_detail_T6_R378.php. For information on the entire revised 10-year TIP including a list of projects through 2033 and map visit: www.co.cook.mn.us/highwayprojects

As always, if you have any questions feel free to give the Highway Department a call at 218-387-3014 or email [email protected].

About Cook County, MN 

Cook County encompasses the sovereign nation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; the City of Grand Marais; the Townships of Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder; and unincorporated areas in the easternmost part of Minnesota’s North Shore. Cook County Government values transparency and strives to deliver superior services and programs in a fiscally responsible way. We value the dignity of all County residents and seek to create a community that provides opportunity for all. Many of our offices are in the Cook County Courthouse at 411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais 55604. Other departments and facilities, such as the Airport, Community Center, Highway and Sheriff are located nearby. Call 218-387-3000 or visit: https://co.cook.mn.us