Mile Creek Road Realignment and Bridge Project
Mile Creek is a Cook County managed road on the tribal lands of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa that runs through Grand Portage National Monument. To support this effort to protect the historic stone bridge and create a safer corridor for pedestrian and auto traffic, the National Park Service is providing environmental review compliance and will be monitoring construction operations to ensure environmental and archaeological resources are not impacted. The National Park Service will also provide seedlings and the labor to replant areas impacted by construction the following spring.
One species of concern in this area is Douglas Hawthorn. While some of these shrubs will be removed, another population will be started nearby.
Construction is scheduled to begin May 29th, the day after Memorial Day. While underway, traffic will continue on the current roadway. When complete, the new intersection will control traffic for safe pedestrian crossing to the Grand Portage Trail and other features of the Monument. To mitigate potential for environmental damage, equipment will be inspected, washed, and sediment from construction will be kept away from Grand Portage Creek.
For more information: Robbie Hass 218-387-3695 Robert.hass@co.cook.mn.us