MnDOT announces 2026 construction projects; Highway 61 impacts from Duluth to Grand Portage
Apr 06, 2026 07:58AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 3, 2026
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) released its annual list of road construction projects for 2026. Local impacts include work on Highway 61 along the North Shore between Duluth and Grand Portage.
Highway 61 Culvert Box Replacement Projects
Starting in Cook County, MnDOT is continuing with year two of the culvert box replacement project between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. Construction will begin at the Carlson Creek location in May 2026, and traffic will be shifted via a bypass.
According to MnDOT, all other culvert work for this project, which began in 2025, is complete.
The culvert boxes are being replaced because they are deteriorating and at the "end of their service life," according to MnDOT, adding that some are over 80 years old.
Highway 61 Historic Wall Repair at Cascade Wayside, Lutsen
This month, MnDOT plans to resume work on repairing the historic wall at the Hwy 61 Cascade River Wayside Rest area, specifically improving the parking area, and is expected to continue through November. This multi-year project began in 2025. Work will continue through 2028.
Possible impacts include reduced parking areas.
Little Marais to Tofte Highway 61 Corridor Study. Image: MnDOT
Little Marais to Tofte Highway 61 Corridor Study
The Little Marais to Tofte Highway 61 Corridor Study is scheduled to go through several phases in 2026. Earlier this year, MnDOT began hosting public meetings in what it is calling the "data collection phase," including one in Schroeder.
According to MnDOT, following the data collection phase, the study will move into developing a corridor vision and alternatives during the summer and fall of 2026. During this period, MnDOT plans to "create a vision and concepts to be considered" and will solicit public feedback on each proposed concept.
The final stage for the year involves preliminary design, in which MnDOT will determine final recommendations based on the gathered concepts and feedback before presenting the draft plan.
Lake County
In Lake County, light replacement in the Silver Creek and Lafayette tunnels will continue in 2026 and is set to be completed in June. Impacts include lane closures.
St. Louis County
McQuade Rd & Highway 61 intersection work. Image: MnDOT
In St. Louis County, MnDOT is planning safety improvements at McQuade Rd. and Highway 61 between Duluth and Two Harbors, which include adding a "J-turn" to reduce "conflict" at that intersection. Impacts include lane closures on Hwy 61 and periodic closures of McQuade Road at Hwy 61 once construction begins in July.
Additional work in this area includes culvert wall repairs at Talmadge River and the installation of a new Roadway Weather Information System.
Work on these projects is scheduled to conclude for the year in November.
London Rd/Highway 61 roundabout project. Image: MnDOT
Additionally, those traveling to and from Duluth this summer should expect major road construction along Highway 61/London Road, which is set for reconstruction.
Projects include the installation of two roundabouts at 26th Ave. E. and 40th Ave. E., according to MnDOT, to "modernize traffic management in the urban corridor."
The project also includes resurfacing the pavement and updating pedestrian facilities to meet current accessibility standards.
Work began with tree clearing in February and is scheduled to resume in late April.
Travelers should expect lane closures and detours, including on London Road, which will be open only to northbound traffic north of the intersection at 40th Ave E. Southbound traffic will be detoured onto Superior St to 21st Ave E. This traffic pattern is set to be in place through mid-June.
Beginning in mid-June, construction will continue at 26th Ave E. Work will take place on the mainline London Road between 40th Ave E and Lester River. The road will only be open to northbound traffic. Southbound traffic will continue to be detoured on Superior St to 21st Ave E.
County Projects
Local road construction projects within Cook County for the 2026 season involve arterial roads and bridges. According to the Cook County Highway Department, maintenance is scheduled for a five-mile section of the Gunflint Trail, where crews will perform "resurfacing and several deep culvert replacements," between County Road 92 East and County Road 92 West (near Trail Center).
In the Hovland area, the Arrowhead Trail will undergo resurfacing alongside the replacement of the Pine River Bridge with a "single-span prestressed concrete bridge with timber railings," according to county officials.
Other planned improvements include a mill and overlay on Chicago Bay Road and the construction of a new "10-foot wide multi-use trail" near Grand Marais, designed to expand the local pedestrian and bicycle network.
