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County asks engineer to study tunnel option at Highway 20 trail crossing
Summary
After an engineer said current signage and crossings meet state guidelines for a 55 mph rural road, commissioners pressed for stronger safety measures at the Highway 20 crossing near Lake Bemidji State Park and directed staff to develop cost and scope estimates for an underpass/tunnel and to consult state partners.
Beltrami County commissioners asked staff to develop detailed cost and scope options for an underpass at the Highway 20 trail crossing near Lake Bemidji State Park after a lengthy exchange about safety.
County engineer Bruce briefed the board on existing countermeasures: crossing signs are in place, and engineering guidance (including Minnesota and federal traffic manuals) typically discourages pedestrian rapid‑flashing beacons or crosswalk markings on a 55 mph rural roadway. Bruce said current counts are roughly 2,700 vehicles per day and estimated pedestrian/trail users in the summer at about 100 per day; his engineering review concluded there are sufficient gaps in traffic for pedestrians to cross, which is why more intensive signal treatments were not recommended at this time.
Commissioners pushed back, arguing that the crossing is a public‑safety risk and that installing more visible signage, moving a 30 mph sign closer to the crossing or building an underpass should be explored. Bruce cautioned that deviating from engineering recommendations can increase liability and that speed limits are set through a separate state authorization process. Several commissioners said they preferred to study an underpass or tunnel as a long‑term, safer fix rather than rely solely on signage or flashing beacons.
Pete Harrison, park manager for Lake Bemidji State Park, told the board he had worked at the park for 16 years and had not received trail‑user complaints but acknowledged the danger: "I've been there for 16 years. ... I've never heard a complaint from a trail user and we've never had an issue or an incident. Now, that being said ... the threat the danger is certainly there."
The board directed the county engineer to develop cost estimates and design approaches for an underpass/tunnel, to coordinate with the DNR and state park staff about shared funding opportunities, and to return with options the board can consider for potential inclusion in future construction schedules and grant requests.
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