Complete Streets in Minnesota communities
Hwy 1 in Red Lake
Background
Highway 1 runs east-west through Red Lake. From a local perspective, the community of Red Lake had an unmet need for adequate community infrastructure to provide and facilitate safe, efficient, and appropriate pedestrian and bicycle transportation for its members. An informal trail did exist at various points on the reservation. However, it was inaccessible and unfavorable for non-motorized users who instead had to walk or bike directly within the right-of-way, or along the narrow shoulder of local roadways.
The two-mile resurfacing project on Highway 1, from the MN 89 junction to Great Nations Drive, converted a rural section of pavement through Red Lake into an urban corridor with a biking and walking trail. The goal of the project was to create a safer road, safer intersections, improve drainage, and include pedestrian facilities to accommodate safer walking and biking. The design contract was administered by Red Lake Engineering and the construction contract was administered by Red Lake Builders.
Complete Streets elements
Landscaping and lighting
Amenity zones, including space for benches and rest areas, now serve as a buffer between pedestrian and vehicle traffic and provide an inviting street environment.
Improved sidewalks and trail
By aligning city sidewalks with the local trail system, community members can now navigate town in a more safe and comfortable way. Other improvements, such as reducing the longitudinal grade of the sidewalk, created a more walkable and safer environment for those with reduced mobility.
Complete Streets themes
Community
Increasing ease of access to local amenities and providing a community-friendly environment was important to the Tribe. Project improvements for walking and biking now provide a safer and easier way for community members to access frequently visited amenities on both sides of Pike Creek, including a school, grocery store, and convenience store. The project also included pedestrian-scale lighting and provided space for park benches and rest areas to support community connections.
Safety
Improved lighting increases visibility for people walking and biking. Sidewalks along both sides of the corridor separate pedestrian traffic from vehicular traffic to reduce opportunities for collision.
Freight
Highway 1 through Red Lake is a popular route for logging and delivery freight vehicles. Maintaining 12-foot driving lanes while narrowing the cross-section supports necessary freight traffic while also creating a safer travel environment for all roadway users.
Collaboration
This government-to-government partnership set a precedent for future collaborations between MnDOT and Red Lake Nation. The partners started meeting at the beginning of the project to understand needs and established a collaboration that continued with weekly meetings throughout project development. Red Lake led engagement efforts, which included holding meetings on the reservation, completing a survey and data analysis, conducting outreach through their radio station, and spreading information through word of mouth. After the conclusion of construction, MnDOT and the Tribe continue to meet on a quarterly basis, at minimum, to build on their collaboration.