Develop project

Here’s how the public feedback influenced MnDOT’s design and decision-making process and common concerns we’ve addressed through the project development phase in 2022-2024.

South Harbor Township meeting: summer 2023

MnDOT was invited to introduce the project at a South Harbor Township meeting.

Outcome: MnDOT shared about the project, showed a draft layout and went over next steps.

Tribal coordination: 2022-2023

MnDOT engaged with tribal leaders to discuss the roundabout’s impact on access and culturally-significant areas.

Outcome: Adjustments were made to address concerns and ensure the project aligned with tribal perspectives.

Graphic showing project outreach areas — Areas of project outreach: highway users, the cities of Wahkon, Isle and Onamia, tribal leaders, South Harbor Township, the local community, Mille Lacs County and businesses. Select graphic to enlarge (PNG)

Area businesses: 2024

MnDOT directly engaged with businesses through door-to-door visits on Jan.10, 2024, gathering feedback on access and potential construction impacts.

Outcome: Businesses raised concerns about parking, access and construction effects, prompting further discussion.

Public meeting: April 2, 2024

MnDOT held a public open house for the project at South Harbor Township Hall in Cove. Project information was shared and the project team answered questions. Many attendees opposed the project, claiming minimal accident history and concerns over business disruptions.

Outcome: MnDOT continued one-on-one engagement with business owners and local officials to refine access plans.

Local municipalities: spring–fall 2024

The city councils of Wahkon, Isle and Onamia received petitions opposing the roundabout from April 8-10, 2024, emphasizing economic concerns and access limitations. MnDOT also received formal opposition letters from the city of Wahkon and Mille Lacs County in May-June 2024, leading to further discussions on access and traffic impacts.

Outcome: MnDOT reviewed traffic modeling again and worked to clarify data with the community, responding to the letters in writing.

Add fourth leg to roundabout: fall 2024

Businesses west of the roundabout raised concerns about limited access and requested an additional roadway connection. MnDOT then worked with design consultants to ensure a fourth leg could be incorporated. On Dec. 11, 2024, South Harbor Township approved maintaining the fourth leg, despite broader concerns about the project.

Outcome: MnDOT modified the design to include a fourth leg (PNG) to improve access for local businesses and residents via a west frontage road.

Public concern: The roundabout will increase congestion, especially at peak summer times.

MnDOT response: Traffic modeling shows congestion at this intersection is primarily due to recreational traffic. All intersection alternatives show high congestion during Friday evenings. The roundabout will not eliminate weekend backups but will make it easier and safer for drivers to enter and exit Hwy 169.

Public concern: The Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) report suggests crashes, including serious injury crashes, may increase.

MnDOT response: The ICE report determined that a roundabout is the best safety solution. While it will slow traffic on Hwy 169, it will also reduce conflict points and improve access management for nearby businesses. Slower speeds and fewer conflict points typically result in fewer crashes.

Public concern: MnDOT did not hold public hearings in first phase of the project.

MnDOT response: The first phase does not require public hearings but does dictate consideration of local and political concerns. The ICE report was prepared when funding was not available so there was no need at the time for public hearings.

Public concern: The roundabout could negatively impact businesses, particularly during construction.

MnDOT response: All businesses will have access to the highway during construction. The current project layout maintains direct left- and right-turn access to most existing driveways. This proposed project will slow traffic down and manage the accesses so it is a more controlled flow of traffic where people can feel comfortable stopping to do business.

Public concern: The crosswalk is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer dollars.

MnDOT Response: Sidewalks are required under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Access Board regulations. They also provide safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists along the highways.

Public concern: Construction and the roundabout design will delay emergency response times.

MnDOT Response: MnDOT works with emergency service providers to develop traffic management plans that maintain effective response times.