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Engineers present preferred Heartland Trail routing options; county seeks local loops to include Dune Locks
Summary
Houston Engineering presented preferred routing concepts for the Heartland Trail segment between Dent and Bucks Mill, emphasizing off-highway alignment where feasible, public engagement results and cost estimates for different cross-sections.
Houston Engineering presented recommended concept routes Tuesday for the Heartland Trail segment running south of Detroit Lakes, emphasizing a mix of dedicated side paths and segments adjacent to Highway 59 where right-of-way constraints make separation costly.
Why it matters: The Heartland Trail is intended as a long-distance recreational and transportation link that will connect multiple communities, attract visitors and expand nonmotorized transport options. Route choice affects construction cost, land use, access to parks and interruptions during seasonal events.
Public engagement and screening: Engineers said the project web pages drew more than 2,000 visits and the team collected more than 100 mapped comments; staff also held an open house with roughly 50 to 60 attendees. The screening criteria included right-of-way footprint, driveway and traffic conflicts, grading needs, environmental constraints and public preference.
Preferred concepts: For the north segment engineers recommended a Highway 59 alignment with a local loop serving Lake Sally Campground and Dune Locks; the middle segment showed a preferred alignment on County Highway 17 adjacent to the golf course with a switch to Highway 59 where necessary; the southern segment included Melissa Drive, a powerline corridor and an alternate along South Mill Pond Drive. Cost estimates vary by cross-section: non-curb side path concepts were estimated near $50 per linear foot while curb-and-gutter sections were estimated near $90 per linear foot, with additional costs for boardwalks through wetlands.
Commissioner questions and next steps: Commissioners emphasized making Dune Locks and Dunlox accessible to trail users and asked the consultant to preserve local loop options even where the primary Heartland corridor follows Highway 59. Engineers said the steering committee had met five times and a final steering meeting will precede the final concept report and recommended next-phase work (preliminary engineering and design).
Ending: Engineers will refine the preferred concept and cost estimates, include contingency alternatives and return to the county and steering committee before advancing to final design.
