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i ♦ <br /> and exit from#371 without having to go on city streets. Install a simple overpass at#11, <br /> Main St,to tie the east and west city together over#371. This does not require sweeping <br /> wide curves,just city right angle streets. This overpass would start just west of the <br /> Pfeiffer drug store and proceed west to second street across from the Wells Fargo bank. <br /> A third overpass could be installed just north of Rich Beyer's Shell station. The current <br /> junction of#16 and#371 could be diverted by moving#16 on the east side of the A Pine <br /> and on the east side of the Shell station coming out to the overpass over#371. This <br /> overpass could also serve the city of Jenkins. <br /> Highway#17 could merge to the south on#371. A gravel road just west#371 <br /> and parallel to#371 could serve#17 for north bound traffic. This would link up to#16 at <br /> the overpass. <br /> Merge lanes-- #17 can merge to south bound#371. South bound#371 traffic <br /> could merge off#371 just north of the#11 overpass. The south bound frontage road <br /> could merge on to south bound#371 just south of the overpass at Dirkson Rd.. North <br /> bound#371 traffic could merge off#371 at Dirkson Rd. on to old#371 or could merge <br /> off just before the main street(#11)or could merge off just north of the Shell station. <br /> One might think the overpasses would be an eye sore to the city. That could <br /> easily be changed from an eye sore to a unique landmark by painting scenes on the <br /> overpasses. Perhaps one with a scene of Pequot Lakes including the bobber. Another <br /> scene might be a nature scene of our lakes. <br /> See the sketch for further details. This concept would be viable for years to come <br /> (at least 25 years)while the original draft will be good for only 10 years before b6coming <br /> a major traffic problem. Sweeping overpasses cost millions of dollars but a simple <br /> overpass(two 12 ft. driving lanes and a walkway)can be built for under$1 million each. <br /> When the total project will cost around$75 million,adding another$3 million to triple <br /> the useful life of the road, seems to be a wise investment. The overpasses will allow for <br /> steady flow of traffic at 60 mph on#371. The overall goal of MNDOT of achieving an <br /> average of 50 mph from Walker to Baxter will be an achievable goal. The old plan <br /> would make that goal impossible. NMOT should seriously consider simple overpasses <br /> at Nisswa and Pine River. <br /> Unless the Pequot Lakes City Council leans on MNDOT they will proceed with <br /> the draft plan displayed at the high school open house. We have a right to expect that <br /> effort from our elected City Council. <br /> I would like to be involved in the process between MNDOT and the Pequot Lakes <br /> City Council to help eliminate the apparent"buck passing"as to whose idea it was to put <br /> a service road right through church property. <br /> Sincer cY <br /> Robert C. Olson <br /> Senior Consultant,Engineering&Aquaculture <br /> 36137 Butternut Point Rd. <br /> Pequot Ickes,MN 56472 <br /> Phone 218-543-6424 <br /> E Mail rcogdo@uslink.net Copies to Pequot City Council&City Engineer <br />