Hwy 2 – Cass Lake Corridor Study
This study is evaluating potential options available to improve pedestrian safety and mobility along Hwy 2 in Cass Lake.
Get involved
We've developed three design options to evaluate. Share your insights, experiences, and questions as we look to develop a community support vision before developing a project.
- Learn more about the three options
- Share your input with the project survey
- Take our quick poll
- Ask a question
Stay informed
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Study update: January 2023, Tell us what you think
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWith the help of a community panel, we have developed three design options, which take into account the traffic conditions today and in the future. Before developing the designs we analyzed the current conditions, and then asked community members to tell us about their experiences.
Option 3Developing the vision:
Here’s what we thought about in developing the designs:
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The community panel identified these core values for the vision of Highway 2:
- Economic development and prosperity
- Safe, calm, and predictable
- Connection to nature
- Sense of place, culture, and community
- Inviting, appealing, and lively
- Anchoring (People feel drawn to Cass Lake, and want to stay long-term)
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Proven safety treatments to reduce the risk of crashes, including:
- Pedestrian crossing islands
- Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
- Crosswalk lighting
- Roundabouts
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges (must be within the normal path for pedestrians and not be significantly out of the way)
- Where people are currently walking across the highway: Designs that aim to connect people to commonly visited destinations
- Vehicle traffic operations: All designs accommodate current and projected traffic volumes, and allow heavy freight vehicles to turn at intersections
- Local expertise: Each design was reviewed by the community panel and updated in response to their ideas and concerns
What’s next
In the next phase of the study, we will develop and share a preferred option for a future vision of Highway 2 that reflects the community feedback.
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The community panel identified these core values for the vision of Highway 2:
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Option 1: Two-lane highway with linear park area on each side
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link- Driving Lanes
- Two driving lanes with either a center turn lane or median
- Hwy 2 intersections at Hwy 371 and at Grant Utley Ave
- Roundabouts
- Green space
- Linear Park (forested) on south side of Hwy 2
- Linear Park (meadow) on the north
- Walking and biking space along highway
- Multi-use path through the Linear Parks on each side of Hwy 2
- Sidewalk on north side of Sixth St (frontage road)
- Highway crossings for people walking and biking
- Mid-block pedestrian crossings with flashing beacons
- High-visibility crossings at roundabouts
- Evaluation Criteria Ranking:
- Driving Lanes
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Option 2: Two-lane highway with linear park area on the south side
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link- Driving Lanes
- Two driving lanes with either a center turn lane or median
- Hwy 2 intersections at Hwy 371 and at Grant Utley Ave
- Traffic signals
- Green space
- Linear Park (forested) south of Hwy 2
- Walking and biking space along highway
- Greenway shared-use trail through linear park on south side of Hwy 2
- Sidewalk on north side of Sixth St (frontage road)
- Highway crossings for people walking and biking
- Mid-block pedestrian crossings with flashing beacons
- Pedestrian crossings at traffic signals
- Evaluation Criteria Ranking:
- Driving Lanes
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Option 3: Four-lane highway with pedestrian/bicycle bridge
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Zoom in or add your input with this Interactive Comments Board- Driving Lanes
- Four driving lanes with turn lanes at intersections
- Hwy 2 intersections at Hwy 371 and at Grant Utley Ave
- Traffic signals
- Green space
- Minimal
- Walking and biking space along highway
- Multi-use path south of Hwy 2
- Sidewalk on north side of Sixth St (frontage road)
- Highway crossings for people walking and biking
- Pedestrian and bicycle overpass bridge
- Pedestrian crossings at traffic signals
- Evaluation Criteria Ranking:
- Driving Lanes
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Study Update: 9/22
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWhere is the study now?
The steering committee held its second meeting with a goal to identify core values that will guide development of the safety concepts for the corridor alternatives. The team took part in interactive activities to help brainstorm ideas revolving around the culture of Cass Lake, pedestrian safety and a future vision for Hwy 2. Information was also shared about two additional studies that are that are separate, but relevant, to this one: the Cass Lake Redevelopment Plan and the Pedestrian Volume Study.
What’s next?
We will develop preliminary concepts based on those core values and share them at the next steering committee meeting in October, and then more broadly for additional input from the greater community. We will use this study and the recommended option to pursue funding for a project, which may take several years.
How to participate
- Learn more about the study in the posts below
- Read the full summary and slides/visuals from the committee meeting in the Project Documents widget
- Take part in the brainstorming discussion on the forum tab
- Add your input onto the interactive map
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About the study
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkHow do you use Hwy 2 in Cass Lake? Some may use it as a connector between Bemidji and Grand Rapids. Others may use it as a connection to people, neighborhoods, businesses, or even school. The safety of all who use this corridor is a growing concern. Could we make improvements that would provide a safer experience for all modes of transportation?
To answer that question we are conducting a planning study in partnership with the City of Cass Lake and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The study seeks to evaluate the potential improvement options available and develop a community-supported vision.
Check out the tabs below to interact and learn more about this study. Use the Forum to discuss ideas or the Map to drop a pin and discuss a specific location.
Don't hesitate to contact us directly, or use the Comments & Questions tab to pose questions for the good of the group. We look forward to hearing your input.
-Miigwech
Tribal Contacts
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Phone 218-513-9215 Email mike.chosa@llojibwe.net
MnDOT Contacts
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Phone 218-407-1917 Email jon.mason@state.mn.us -
Phone 218-766-6324 Email tj.melcher@state.mn.us