Road conditions that are more typical for April during spring thaw are happening now in December on St. Louis County roads. Excessive rain and warm temperatures are deteriorating gravel roads, and Public Works is limited in what it can do to make repairs. Anyone encountering unsafe road conditions can report them by calling 911.

Public Works professionals from around the region gathered at St. Louis County's Public Works facility in Pike Lake on Wednesday to share best practices in reducing salt use while maintaining safe driving conditions throughout the winter. Winter maintenance requires finding balance between public safety, budget considerations, and reducing harm to the environment caused by salt.

Rainfall over the weekend of September 23rd-24th led to flooding in several areas of southern St. Louis County. Most notably, the intersection of Maple Grove Road and Mall Drive in Duluth. Several other lesser traveled county roads also experienced washouts, including portions of:

• Cant Road south of Lismore Road
• Pioneer Junction Road between Smith River Road and Pioneer Road
• App Road between West Knife River Road and Two Harbors Road
• Strand Road between Jean Duluth Road and Washburn Road.

St. Louis County Public Works continues to develop plans and get public feedback on proposed improvements to the Rice Lake Road corridor, from Ridgeview Road to north of Martin Road in Rice Lake. County engineers are hosting an open house to provide an update on plans and hear from interested citizens. The open house will be Thursday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m., at Rice Lake City Hall, 4107 W. Beyer Road. Anyone who lives in or travels through this area is encouraged to get involved by attending the meeting or providing input through the county's project website. More information can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/rice-lake-rd-corridor.