The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Alternative B for the realignment of Mile Creek Road and construction of a new bridge over Grand Portage Creek in Grand Portage, Minnesota.
The decision comes after analysis presented in the environmental assessment, public input, NPS internal deliberation and analysis, and consultation with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Alternative B will remove an existing blind curve, re-route the road across a new bridge, and leave a portion of the original asphalt in place as a walking path.
The selected alternative will also protect an existing historic bridge and improve pedestrian access and safety.
The NPS has determined that no net loss of wetlands will occur during the construction, ensuring mitigations and compliance with regulations and policies will be observed during and after the completion of construction activities.
The NPS released the Environmental Assessment (EA) in February 2023, sharing two alternatives for consideration: Alternative A- No Action; and Alternative B – County Road 17 Re-Route (Preferred Alternative).
The EA was open for public comment from February 2 to March 4, 2023, with no public comments received.
On March 21, 2023, the NPS published a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Mile Creek Road Realignment and Bridge Construction.
The FONSI describes why the selected alternative would have no significant effects on the environment, provides the rationale for the decision, and outlines conservation measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts.
The selected alternative is a significant step towards improving the safety and accessibility of Mile Creek Road, ensuring the protection of the surrounding wetlands and historic structures.
Planning documents for the project are available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/MileCreekRd.
The Mile Creek Road Realignment and Bridge Construction in Grand Portage is expected to improve the safety and accessibility of the road leading to the campgrounds.
The selected alternative will remove a hazardous blind curve and improve pedestrian access, which will make it easier and safer for visitors to reach the private campgrounds.
Additionally, the protection of wetlands and historic structures as outlined in the environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact will benefit the surrounding natural and cultural resources, which could also be a draw for visitors to the private campgrounds.
This is delightful news! The NPS has just revealed that the Mile Creek Road construction project will include enhanced signage and lighting, as well as sustainable design features. I’m thrilled about the positive impact this will have on safety and the environment.