Chippewa County opens 343 miles of ATV routes after highway board vote

Chippewa County is set to enhance its transportation infrastructure and recreational access following key discussions during the recent Budget Hearing meeting held on November 7, 2024. The county board approved significant changes to its highway management and maintenance strategies, which are expected to benefit both residents and visitors.

One of the most notable developments is the expansion of ATV access on county highways. The board has opened 343 miles of low to medium volume roads to ATV traffic, a substantial increase from the previous 28 miles. This change aims to improve recreational opportunities for ATV enthusiasts while promoting tourism in the area. The new signage at county borders will clearly indicate that all county highways are open to ATVs unless otherwise posted.

In addition to recreational improvements, the highway department is adopting innovative maintenance practices. A new web-based tool, roadresource.org, will assist in prioritizing road treatments based on cost-benefit analyses. This approach shifts the focus from merely repairing the worst roads to maintaining good roads, potentially extending their lifespan significantly. The department is optimistic that this strategy will lead to better resource allocation and long-term savings.

The meeting also highlighted the successful completion of a cold in-place recycling project on Highway X, which utilized advanced techniques to rejuvenate the road surface. This project marks a first for Chippewa County and is expected to provide a durable driving surface for years to come.

Despite these advancements, the highway department faces challenges in staffing, particularly in filling seasonal positions. The board discussed potential recruitment strategies, including outreach to military veterans with engineering experience, to address these staffing shortages.

Overall, the decisions made during the meeting reflect a proactive approach to improving Chippewa County's infrastructure and enhancing community engagement through recreational access. As these initiatives move forward, the county aims to foster a more connected and accessible environment for all residents and visitors.