About the project

Hwy 169/ Hwy 1 is in a low-populated, mostly forested area. The corridor has an average annual daily traffic of 6,000 near Virginia and 3,500 in the Ely area.

Several transportation-related deficiencies have been identified on this corridor, including horizontal and vertical curves, narrow shoulders and steep roadside drops. There is also vegetation encroaching on sight lines, a lack of turn lanes and few opportunities to safely pass. These deficiencies contribute to higher than average crash rates.

Two projects are being developed to address these deficiencies:

• The Tower to Ely Eagles Nest area project includes a five mile reconstruction and the addition of passing lanes.
• The CSAH 26 to Pike River project reconstructs six miles of Hwy 169, with significant reconstruction from the Black Bear Café/County Road 26 intersection to the Pike River.

A task force of local citizens, elected officials and transportation professionals studied the corridor and identified safety-related issues and solutions. The study identified these two projects as priorities.

Project Benefits

Increased safety through widened shoulders, improved horizontal and vertical alignments and other mobility improvements.