South Shore Boulevard Update – good news

We have two items of good news for South Shore Boulevard along the south side of White Bear Lake.

First, Ramsey County has completed grinding off of the nasty steps from the roadway to driveways on the north side of the road. The 1" to 2.5" high steps on 67 driveways that caused several bikers to be thrown off their bikes have been replaced by 0" to 1" high smoother transitions. This is a reminder that anytime you have a transition in the road surface (like a railroad track, or substantial crack or joint) it is best to cross it at right angles. Crossing at narrow angles is likely to kick the front wheel of your bike sideways with unpredictable results.

Second, White Bear Township has recently approved trail lighting for the stretch of South Shore from Bellaire Ave. to the county line. The effort is funded by White Bear Township and will be implemented by Xcel Energy. Total cost is approximately $128,000. A total of 13 lampposts will be installed along this approximately 1,000-yard stretch (about one every 80 yards). The lampposts will be in the classic Acorn style, clear top, 6000 lumens each on 14' tall fluted aluminum poles (federal green in color). Contact White Bear Township for more details. This will add to the existing lighted stretch of the trail from Lions Park to Bellaire in the City of White Bear Lake. This is a very nice addition for this awesome community asset and will extend the hours for safe walking and biking, particularly in winter months. Thank you, White Bear Township !

The turnback of ownership of South Shore Boulevard to White Bear Township may now also occur in the next month or so. A public hearing is being planned by Ramsey County.

Ian Harding

Safety Coordinator Lake Links Association