Minnesota Department of Highways

This document shows Minnesota's post-1967 highway needs through graphics and images.

The "Construction Engineering Study Team was the outgrowth of a recognition by the Department of Highways that new developments in construction control procedures were offering an opportunity to improve construction quality and reduce engineering costs. While it was recognized that any changes would have to be brought about slowly and carefully tested before final adoption on a statewide scale, a decision was made to proceed with a study using a team of well-qualified engineers in pursuing the assignment. The problem statement which served as the basis for the project follows this section of the preliminary and condensed report.

The basic purpose of this report is to provide historical background for the Interstate System at the national level. Hopefully this will provide perspective for current Metropolitan system and route studies (and controversies) at more local levels. The studies and acts at the national level generally provide information as to: - why the system was proposed - guidelines for planning and location - important design principles - the size of the system - the relationship between federal, state, and local planning

The Minnesota Highway Department's Action Plan, prepared in response to the 197D Federal-Aid Highway Act to ensure the consideration of social, economic and environmental effects in highway decisions, will serve as a guide for citizen and agency participation in highway proposals from the beginning of planning up to construction. The four principles which form the basis far the Action Plan are: - Identification of potential social, economic and environmental effects of proposed projects - Interdisciplinary approach to ensure the integrated use of natural, physical and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and development of highways - Involvement of the public and Federal, State and local agencies in the decision making process - Alternative considerations including alternate modes of transportation, varying degrees of highway improvements and no improvement.

This photograph shows a view of Split Rock Lighthouse and Lake Superior from the overlook, sometime after the overlook was built in the 1950s.

This photograph shows the building and terrace at Oak Lake Rest Area. Oak Lake appears in the backgrounds.

This photograph shows the parking area at Oak Lake Rest Area circa 1973.

This photograph shows the building at Oak Lake Rest Area, circa 1973.

This photograph shows the Oak Lake Rest Area site from above, circa 1973.

This photograph shows a group of people having a picnic at New Ulm Springs, circa the late 1930s or early 1940s.