The Strong Towns Podcast The Hidden Costs of "Improving" This Minnesota Highway
Dec 15, 2025
In this episode, Matt Steele, a Brainerd-area resident and transportation advocate, joins to discuss the proposed highway interchange in Baxter. They dive into the hidden costs of this safety upgrade, exploring the rapid suburban development and its implications. Public perception of traffic safety sparks debate, while the complex design features like roundabouts face cultural resistance. They examine the influence of local businesses, the effectiveness of public engagement, and question whether the project truly benefits the community.
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Bypass Created Suburban Growth And Downtown Decline
- Building a bypass shifted through-traffic and enabled large suburban retail development along Highway 371.
- Chuck Marohn notes the bypass solved downtown congestion but hollowed out Brainerd's core over decades.
Engineer Witnessed Bypass And Big-Box Arrival
- Chuck watched the Baxter bypass get built from his office window while working as a local engineer.
- He recalls nearby big-box stores like Home Depot and Walmart arriving after the bypass.
Safety Problems Were Built In, Not Discovered
- The proposed Baxter interchange addresses real safety issues caused by high speeds and many accesses.
- Matt Steele emphasizes the location was built dangerous and growth predictable, creating the current safety pressures.