Photo: MN DOT


By Emily Ness of WDIO-TV - April 8, 2021

Residents and tourists may experience delays heading to and from the cities, the Northshore and the Iron Range in the coming months.

This is because the Minnesota Department of Transportation is planning 28 new and carryover construction projects for Northeastern Minnesota in 2021.

“It's really important we keep infrastructure in tip top shape,” Todd Campbell, Program Delivery Engineer for District One said.

One of the biggest projects Duluth will see is the Twin Ports Interchange, which is a years-long bridge replacement project at I-35, I-535 and U.S. 53.

“There will be a lot more impact to traffic and you’ll see a lot more work going on with old bridges coming down and new bridges going up,” Campbell said.

In addition to that, Campbell said Duluth will see resurfacing along I-35 from Spirit Mountain to the paper plant in the fall.

“That will be overlaid to provide a nice smooth ride on a surface that's obviously pretty rough right now,” Campbell said.

According to Campbell, resurfacing will also take place on Southbound Highway 53 between Midway Road and Independence Road in Duluth from May to September.

Beyond Duluth, Campbell said Highway 61 will see pavement work between Knife River and Two Harbors from May to October. Additionally, the Silver Creek Bridge in Two Harbors will be replaced from September to October.

Reconstruction of Highway 61 in Grand Marais will continue in the summer and fall. According to Campbell, this will include repairs both above and below the road.

“New curb and gutter, new sidewalks, often times new lighting, enhancements for pedestrian movement,” Campbell said.

With all of the construction set to take place, MnDOT reminds drivers to pay attention and exert caution.

“Watch for signs, be particularly cautious in work zones, slow down, obviously there is going to be traffic impacts,” Campbell said.

A full list of MnDOT’s projects for Northeaster Minnesota in 2021 can be found here.

To watch the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/mndot-shares-2021-construction-plans-for-northeaster-minn...