County accepts turnback of Trunk Highway 123; expects $140,000 a year in state-aid and $5.4 million construction payment

Pine County commissioners approved the final step in accepting the state turnback of Trunk Highway 123, designating the east–west portion as County State Aid Highway 30 and the north–south portion as County State Aid Highway 29. County staff said the change increases the county’s state-aid mileage and will raise annual state-aid by about $140,000.

Public works staff told commissioners the county should also expect a one-time construction payment of roughly $5.4 million related to the completed work on the turnbacked segments, though staff cautioned that the state’s disbursement timetable can be slow. The county will assume maintenance responsibility for the corridor, including winter plowing; staff said plowing responsibilities generally begin when the turnback is effective and that the county will wait to undertake large maintenance or reconstruction work until funds are received.

The board discussed practical implications for residents, including potential changes to posted speeds (commissioners noted a 60 mph section will become 55 mph after the change) and address reassignments overseen by 9-1-1. Staff said they are coordinating with the state on plow turn-around points and will work with residents on address updates. Commissioners also discussed using a portion of the increased annual state-aid for equipment purchases and possibly hiring an additional mechanic, and staff said some of the money will be allocated to construction and maintenance accounts on an annual basis.

The board approved the turnback acceptance and the road designation by motion; staff will coordinate the transfer details with the state and implement maintenance responsibilities once funds are available.