MnDOT Applies Seeks Funding for “Can Of Worms” Project

The project would be completed in three phases, the first beginning in 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has submitted an application for a federal grant, in hopes of funding a major project to fix the well–known “Can of Worms” interchange on Interstate 35 in Duluth.

The grant was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration to fund $45 million towards the first of the three-phase project. If the grant is acquired, the state would help fund the remainder of the $120 million first phase.

Last year MnDOT applied for a grant to fund the entire interchange but were unsuccessful. They have since revised the project to be competed in phases, with hopes of securing the needed funding and cleaning up the messy interchange into the twin ports…

“The bridges were constructed in the early 1970s and they are at the end of their useful life,” said Roberta Dwyer, project manager for The Minnesota Department of Transportation. “It’s time to replace them. Many of the things constructed at the time like the left exits and the tight corners are outdated for today’s transportation system and we just want to bring it in to the modern era.”

Some of the areas addressed in the first phase would include removing the blind merges and weaving movements between Mesaba Avenue and 21st Avenue West.

A roundabout would also be installed on Garfield Avenue near the DECC to alleviate traffic during events.