Gunflint Trail construction project set to begin, expect summer delays

A significant Gunflint Trail construction project will occur this spring and summer.

The ‘Mill the Hill’ and Little Devil’s Track bridge replacement project will include resurfacing the Gunflint Trail starting at Fifth Avenue near the Gunflint Vue apartments and stretching up to the ‘Four Corners’ intersection.

The intersection with Cutoff Rd and Old Ski Hill Rd will be realigned, and Cutoff Rd will also be resurfaced.

The project will also expand the Gunflint Trail from the Grand Marais water tower to Pincushion to four lanes.

At the Devil’s Track River, the existing culvert will be replaced with a 160-foot single-span bridge. In addition, bypass lanes will be added at the ‘Four Corners’ area.

Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Hass said one lane will remain open throughout the summer with traffic-controlled lights on the Gunflint Trail. However, individuals should expect delays if traveling through the area.

Hass said staging of equipment and preliminary sheet piling work may begin on the Gunflint Trail as soon as mid-April.

Ahead of the construction project, the Cook County Highway Department is hosting a presentation-style town hall on Tuesday, April 8, to provide further details about the project and answer questions from the public. The town hall is from 5-7 p.m. at the Cook County Courthouse.

Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Hass stopped by WTIP to talk about the 2025 Gunflint Trail construction project. The audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins April 2, 2025