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WDIO-TV Report: Detours and Closures Ahead of Duluth Can of Worms Construction in May

Feb 25, 2020 07:31AM ● By Editor

Watch the WDIO-TV report here

By Alejandra Palacios of WDIO-TV - February 24, 2020


Warmer weather makes us think about construction season and the first phase of the Can of Worms project is set to start in May. MnDOT gave an update to community members Monday morning at Clyde Iron Works on how this will affect residents and businesses in the area.

Closures on the 27th Ave W Bridge, Lower Michigan Street, and Highway 53 ramps is what’s ahead for the start of the Can of Worms construction.

“I'm a concerned citizen. I live in the neighborhood right by 27th Avenue West Bridge and right by the freeway. We use it almost daily. I'm always concerned with what's going to happen and how it’s going to involve me,” said Rosanne Mellesmoen, a regular attendee of the Can of Worms Project meetings.

Other impacts include the Miller/Coffee Creek replacement from First Street to the bay, removing a hump near 25th Ave W, and improving Old Piedmont Avenue from First to Third Street. There’s also going to be a temporary rechannelization on the Michigan and Superior Street intersection.

“I gotta keep myself informed on how long it’s going to take to get to a doctor appointment if I can't take the freeway. I go over to WLSSD almost every week to take my plastic and compostable food. There's going to be a period of time when I won't be able to go north or south,” said Mellesmoen.

MnDOT made sure to give attendees tips on detours and an update on what’s to be expected with all the construction.

“One of the biggest impacts we like to get out is that I-35 will be head to head in the summer. So people will see significant traffic impacts,” said Cole Maetzold, a project engineer for MnDOT.

Businesses affected like Frost River and OMC have been taking extra steps to prepare for the chaos of the project.

“From a business standpoint, we really are looking to educating our employees and our customers about how it's going to work and how we're able to move people around,” said Chris Benson, the owner of Frost River.

Although some of companies said this is something they've dealt with before, they do look forward to seeing the project finally in action.

“I think it's just one of these things that we will get through it. Neighborhoods are going to look great. Duluth will have a much improved traffic flow we will all benefit from it,” said Tom Hanson, the co-owner of OMC.

“Everyone likes watching big trucks, cranes, and dirt. It'll be fun to watch the progress actually happen,” said Benson.

MnDOT is advising folks to stay up to date on the project online and by coming to the meetings in order to be as prepared as possible for the changes ahead. That's why they say they've taken steps to get the community involved and hear their concerns and input.

“We view the residents in the community as partners in this project and we've done as much as we can to keep them in the loop,” said Maetzold.

The next meeting is on March 30 at 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., with presentations at 11:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.


To read the original story and read related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/can-fow-arms-detour-closures-may-/5655173/?cat=10335

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