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County staff briefed on Dakota County's CR 54 reconstruction and possible trail linking Hastings to Prairie Island
Summary
Public Works staff told commissioners Dakota County plans to reconstruct County Road 54 and is studying a multi-use trail that could extend toward Goodhue County; Goodhue staff said the county has limited right-of-way and no current construction plan for a trail on County Road 18 but will monitor the project and coordinate as needed.
Goodhue County public works staff provided an informational briefing on a Dakota County project to reconstruct County Road 54 between Hastings and County Road 68 and a proposal to construct (or grade for) a multi-use trail that could be part of a longer Hastings-to-Red Wing connection.
Dakota County is considering three alternatives for the segment's trail: (1) do not construct a trail; (2) construct the trail with the road project; or (3) grade for the trail now as an interim step without improving it for immediate use. The project includes safety improvements, such as correcting deficient curves and a proposed roundabout at the intersection of County Road 54 and County Road 68; construction is currently proposed for 2028.
Goodhue County staff told commissioners the trail could result in more pedestrians and cyclists using Goodhue County roads, notably County Road 18, and that existing shoulders and right-of-way on County Road 18 are not sized or improved to support additional pedestrian/bicycle traffic. Staff noted the county currently has no funded trail project along County Road 18 in its five-year plan and that wetlands and right-of-way constraints would make trail construction along parts of County Road 18 more complex and costly.
Commissioners and staff agreed to continue monitoring Dakota County's planning and to raise route or funding issues if Goodhue County determines future trail connections would create local operational or safety needs. No action was required at the meeting; staff will provide updates as Dakota County progresses its project and funding decisions.
Ending: Public works staff will continue coordination and will advise the board if Dakota County's chosen alternative creates operational issues or funding needs for Goodhue County roads.
