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Chapter 04 � Master Plan <br />Segment 5: North Princeton <br />OVERVIEW <br />Segment 5 follows the former Great Northern rail <br />grade north along the west side of highway 169, <br />starting at 40th St and continuing north through <br />the town of Long Siding to 70th St. There is an <br />opportunity in Long Siding to connect a spur trail <br />to the Rum River to facilitate a Blue Trail loop. <br />Segments 5 and 6 both have a 30' wide vegetated <br />buffer on either side of the trail that shields your <br />view of the highway and provides a strong buffer <br />from road noise. The mature trees provide deep <br />shade in the summer and a pleasant "tunnel <br />effect" along the trail. This segment is entirely <br />in public ownership and does not require route <br />alternates. A rapid flashing beacon crossing is <br />proposed in Long Siding. <br />MOTORIZED USE <br />This segment of the trail is currently a DNR grant <br />in aid snowmobile route and is also used by ATV's <br />in the summer. There is a desire to expand ATV/ <br />UTV use in the area. The master plan explores <br />a trail typology that incorporates a dedicated <br />motorized use trail, which would remove much <br />of the existing vegetation on the east side, as <br />well as trigger wetland mitigation. Reference the <br />trail typology section of this chapter for more <br />information. <br />TRAI LH EAD <br />The town of Long Siding was identified as a <br />trailhead location due to the dining and lodging <br />amenities nearby. Restaurants in Long Siding <br />cater to ATV riders and snowmobilers by <br />providing ample parking and accommodating <br />larger groups; this makes it a natural destination <br />motorized activities. A trailhead concept was <br />developed that would accommodate both <br />motorized and non-motorized user groups; <br />reference the trailhead concept design section of <br />this chapter for more information. <br />{> <br />_ ,,� .. __� <br />�.� <br />�« t'rr�.,_ <br />>:p ::�. <br />�, • - <br />��� , <br />r , <br />� <br />.� <br />-� �: <br />�� <br />INTERPRETATION <br />This segment contains the boundary of the Anoka <br />Sandplain and an opportunity to interpret the <br />geology of the area. There is also an opportunity <br />to interpret the historic town of Brickton, which <br />once contained one of the largest brick suppliers <br />in the state, making more than 20 million <br />bricks per year. The town had its own school, <br />general store, and post office, but has since <br />been demolished with only a small foundation <br />remaining. There is a MnDOT historic interpretive <br />plaque about Brickton located on the east side <br />of Highway 169. However, Highway 169 presents <br />a significant barrier to bikes and pedestrians, so <br />the master plan includes an interpretive node <br />which will be accessible to the trail. <br />_— � ; ::-. <br />5$ Great Northern Trail Master Plan � August 2022 <br />