Pine County approves $60 million expansion to five-year transportation plan, including 142 miles of resurfacing and multiple bridge replacements

Pine County commissioners voted to approve an expanded transportation improvement plan that adds roughly $60 million in proposed projects and extends the county's five-year road program by an additional year. The plan, approved by voice vote, includes about 142 miles of resurfacing work (roughly a third of the county system) and six bridge replacements intended to address deficient bridges.

County transportation committee member Mark summarized the committee’s review and the proposed program, saying the expansion is "a big aggressive program" that aims for a 20-year life cycle on pavements and a mix of resurfacing, reclamation and reconstruction where needed. "We're looking for on $60 million of proposed projects," he said, and noted the plan is primarily a staff planning document to sequence project development, permitting and right-of-way work.

Public Works engineer Aaron gave project-level updates and timelines: the Moosehorn River Bridge near Sturgeon Lake has crews pouring rails and is expected to reopen in about a month, and the county plans to pave roughly 20 miles this year, including converting one gravel road to pavement. He also described scheduling work to avoid DNR in-water restrictions and other permitting delays.

Board members discussed partnership contributions from cities on specific items, including a planned traffic signal in Pine City where the city will contribute 25 percent of costs. Mark noted cities typically share unique project costs and that federal or state design requirements can raise local expenses. The plan also lists intersection improvements — staff said a roundabout is being seriously considered at one troubled intersection.

Commissioners praised the speed of current bridge work and discussed operational matters such as detour layouts and dust-control costs on temporary routes. "If it's a detour, we do that," a commissioner said; otherwise dust control may be a county expense.

The board approved the plan after a motion, and staff said the program will serve as a public-facing schedule so residents can see projected project years while acknowledging projects and timing may change during permitting, design and construction.

The board's action: approval of the revised transportation improvement plan. The county staff will continue project development, permitting and coordination with municipalities; specific project schedules and funding sources will be refined during design and right-of-way phases.