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IPwl'tE Or4l Minnesota Department of Transportation A D ` District 3 -Traffic ,� 3725 12th St. N Office Tel: 320-223-6540 St. Cloud, MN 56303 Fax: 320-223-6581 November 13,2006 The Honorable Kathy Malecha Mayor of Pequot Lakes 4638 CR 11 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 RE: CS 1810(Hwy. 371) Event Crossing of Highway in Pequot Lakes Dear Mayor Malecha: As you know Mn/DOT has been approving permits to allow the City of Pequot Lakes to stop traffic on Hwy. 371 for their event parade. We have been monitoring the southbound vehicle queues that develop due to this stoppage for several years and have found the back ups that occur to become a concern. Based on our observations,these events have resulted in serious safety concerns due to stopped or slowed traffic in the 55 mph section north of the signal system. This area,north of CSAH 16,has numerous curves and hills that restrict sight distance and when combined with stopped or slow traffic create a dangerous situation. Unfortunately due to our commitment to safety on our highways we must deny any future request to allow this type of stoppage in the future. We would hope this letter allows the city and local organizers enough time to find safer routes for future events that avoid crossing Hwy 371. We have also discussed this matter with the Minnesota State Patrol and they share our safe concerns during these stoppages on Hwy 371. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this difficult decision. We know this will create some hardship for you although a life is a precious gift that should not be unnecessarily taken away. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Thomas Dumont District Traffic Engineer cc: Kelvin Howieson—Mn/DOT Baxter Ken Larson—Mn/DOT Baxter Kevin Schmidt—Mn/DOT Baxter Jerry Braam—Police Chief,City of Pequot Lakes Capt. Mark Jonassen