Road Construction/Traffic Archives - Page 4 of 9

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement After Spike in Crashes this Year

Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021.

December 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is upping its officers on the streets in hopes of curbing a rise in traffic crashes this year. Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021 — the largest 6-month increase that’s ever been tracked by the federal government. According to the department’s Public…

Superior Unveils Plow Tracking Website

December 1, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the Twin Ports waiting to see its first major snowstorm of the season, Superior is ready to show people which streets have been recently plowed and treated. Thanks to a partnership with Verizon Connect, GPS tracking devices have been added to their four sanders to show their current location and direction they are traveling. It can be…

Snow Hits Minnesota, Officials Urge Travel Caution

November 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota is readying for snow as the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory. Officials urged caution on the roads as ice and strong winds threatened to make driving conditions treacherous late Saturday and into Sunday. The Minnesota State Patrol has already cited snow and icy roads in a fatal crash on Thursday afternoon when a…

Structure of Essentia’s Vision Northland Project Marked Complete with Topping Out Ceremony

According to hospital and construction officials, the project is ahead of schedule at 53% complete.

November 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, city and state officials celebrated a big milestone in the multimillion-dollar Vision Northland project — the end of structural construction. The “topping out” ceremony was held Tuesday. For the construction tradition, the beam is adorned with an American flag and a small tree.“They all symbolize positive things,” said Jeff Dzurik, Executive Vice President of McGough Construction….

City of Duluth to Offer Parking Alternatives During Snow Emergencies

November 5, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Although the Northland has only experienced hit or miss light snow showers, the city of Duluth is getting prepared for its very first snow emergency enforcement by creating parking alternatives for residents with their parking pilot lot program. Two thousand three hundred snow emergency signs were installed across Duluth earlier this year. So when it begins snowing hard,…

Blatnik Bridge Commute to Duluth Diverted for at Least a Year

Crews have also installed a temporary traffic light at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Railroad Street to help control the added traffic.

November 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Some big road closure signs are dotting the Blatnik Bridge as you drive into Duluth, as the Twin Ports Interchange or Can of Worms reconstruction project will divert traffic onto the Garfield Avenue exit for at least the next year. A big light-up sign greets drivers getting on the Blatnik in Superior, warning them of the big change…

Minnesota on Track for Most Traffic Deaths Since 2007 If Driving Doesn’t Improve, Officials Say

There have been 401 traffic-related fatalities since Jan. 1, the earliest the state's reached 400 since 2007.

October 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Safety reporting a scary milestone on Minnesota highways — 401 deaths as of Monday. They’re calling for drivers to shape up, as this year is on track to be the deadliest on the state’s roads in 14 years. “There are some people who are afraid to go out and use that roadway because of…

Road Closed in Duluth During Water Line Replacement

Work is Expected to be Complete by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25

October 25, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will be replacing a portion of a lead water line located at 56th and Grand Avenue on Monday, October 25. A copper line will replace a lead line that has been leaking. Grand Avenue will be closed between 56th Avenue West and 57th Avenue West. Sidewalks will remain open while crews are working…

Mayor Larson, City Officials to Talk Snow Emergencies in Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday

Officials say they're posed to declare the city's first-ever snow emergency this winter.

October 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With winter around the corner, the City Of Duluth is hoping to get information out on navigating parking and emergency plow routes to avoid tickets and fines. Mayor Emily Larson and city staff will host a “City Hall in the City: Let’s Talk about Snow” meeting Tuesday evening. Officials say they’re posed to declare the city’s first-ever snow…

Intersection Closure to Impact Essentia Health’s Downtown Campus

The Intersection Closure will Begin Tuesday, Oct. 19

October 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says an intersection closure near the downtown Duluth campus will be impacting traffic for the next several weeks. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, the intersection of Second Street and Sixth Avenue East in Duluth will close. The intersection will reopen the week of Nov. 22. Ahead of the closure, crews will complete paving work on Fifth…

Sections of East Side of Lakewalk to Temporarily Close for Phase 5 Reconstruction Planning

That phase will involve redoing the remaining east side of the Lakewalk with boardwalk and new asphalt.

September 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of the East side of the Lakewalk will be closed for the next four days. Starting Tuesday sections of the Lakewalk will be closed from below the Gitchi-Ode’ Akiing Park, to Water Street near the Beacon Pointe Condominiums. According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, contractors will analyze the soil, bedrock, and other features…

New Traffic Re-Direct of I-35 in Can of Worms

September 27, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The next significant change of the Can of Worms project is I-35 now leading to lower Michigan Street. While this re-directs traffic flow, it also might help local businesses see a few more customers. The re-design and construction of the can of worms has been in full force since 2020. It has caused a lot of detours,…

More Changes Coming to Twin Ports Interchange Project

All of these changes are to help with the flow and safety of traffic.

September 21, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Coming next week, the public can expect to see some changes on I-35 including the southbound lane being diverted to lower Michigan Street and more. “Other major changes are there will be two lanes southbound as opposed to present-day one lane southbound,” MnDOT Major Projects Construction Manager, Peter Marthaler says. Then come October, northbound traffic will be…

Lightning Destroys Steeple of Hope City Church, Causes Water Main to Burst

August 29, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, lightning struck Hope City Church in Central Hillside, causing a cross made up of wood and metal to fall and even broke a water main underneath the structure. The lightning bolt destroyed one of two steeples sitting on top of the church building, with force strong enough to reach below the concrete, causing a…

Project Managers Lay Out Next Steps for Massive Twin Ports Interchange Reconstruction

The Biggest Change Impacting Drivers Will Begin October 1, 2021

August 29, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a massive overhaul worth $270 million. Chances are if you’ve driven through Duluth on I-35, you’ve experienced the current headache that is the Twin Ports Interchange reconstruction. What’s chaos now will soon be easier to navigate in the fall and winter months. “The temporary road that we will build is part of the next stage will…

Lightning Damages Steeple of Hope City Church, Leaves Building Structurally Unsound

Due to the amount of debris and the building's structural concerns, streets will remained closed to vehicular traffic over Saturday night.

August 28, 2021

Lauren Akabori, Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike damaged both a Duluth church and a nearby water main during thunderstorms Saturday night, and officials are monitoring the structure overnight. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, at approximately 7:45 p.m., crews responded to Hope City Church at 417 North 3rd Avenue East, after a recording party said that the church had…

Section Of Burning Tree Road Closing Monday For Month-Long Construction

August 15, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A section of Burning Tree Road is closing on Monday for the next month. The plans include pavement milling and a stormwater project. The section that will shut down runs from Maple Grove Road to Mountain Shadow Drive. There will be a detour, but crews will try to keep access open to businesses when possible. The project…

DTA Looking for Feedback on New Transit Routes

July 1, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is continuing the Better Bus Blueprint, which is a re-design of its transit route to be more accessible for new housing and employment areas around the city. In the public outreach part of the process, the DTA is looking for feedback from the community about what they think of the recommended draft…

Final Phase Of Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Some of businesses owners say while it's another few months of construction cones and rumbling machines, they're excited for the finished product.

June 29, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The final portion of the Superior Street reconstruction project has broken ground. Work has started on Superior between 3rd and 4th Avenues East. The 3rd Avenue East intersection will remain open and sidewalks will be open to access businesses within the work-zone. Some of those businesses owners, like managers at the Sheraton Hotel, which has just finished their…

Minnesota State Patrol Pleads with Drivers to Use Caution as Summer Travel Begins

As of May 27, 2021, 149 Traffic Fatalities Have Been Reported on Minnesota Roads

May 27, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol is out with alarming new numbers as the Memorial Day weekend approached, just five months into the new year. The Department of Public Safety says 149 lives have been lost on Minnesota roads in 2021. That’s in comparison to 107 lives lost at this time in 2020. Troopers are reporting a 96 percent rise…

Major Construction Project Underway Along Highway 61 in Grand Marais

A Portion of Highway 61 Will Be Closed From Java Moose Heading East Through Grand Marais May 10 - Late July

May 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – The downtown district of Grand Marais will be busier than usual this summer due to an ongoing extensive construction project years in the making. MnDOT is currently working to reconstruct the portion of Highway 61 just west of the city. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions for those heading into and out…

Sections of Downtown Duluth Streets to Close Temporarily

The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 29, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, a part of East 1st street between north 2nd avenue east and north 1st avenue east will be closed to traffic. The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During that same time, north 2nd avenue east between east 1st and 2nd street will also be closed to traffic. The sidewalk will also be…

Duluth’s 2nd Street Construction Starts Monday

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn – A busy section of 2nd Street in Duluth is about to get busier with new construction starting Monday. A roadway overhaul is happening between 4th and 9th avenues east to update utilities, storm sewer and heating system. “This work will connect the steam plant and St. Luke’s Building A, providing them with hot water,” said Duncan Schwensohn,…

Fourth and Final Phase of Superior Street Reconstruction to Begin Monday

Phase 4 of Superior Street Reconstruction will be done in two parts, with Phase 4A ending in June and Phase 4B ending in August.

April 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer will be the busiest road construction season in Duluth’s history with crews working on 12 miles of roadways; and Superior Street will once again be among those projects for the fourth and final year in a row. “I’m real happy with the way it turned out, so, but I’m also ready to be happy that it’s…

Highway 2, 53 Resurfacing Project Now Underway in Superior

The Project is Expected to be Complete by October of 2020

April 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently allocated five million dollars for a resurfacing project in Superior, and the work officially broke ground Monday. A 2.5 mile stretch of construction is now underway from 29th Avenue East, to 53rd Avenue East in Superior’s Allouez and Itasca neighborhoods. During the construction that’s taking place on Highway 2 and 53, crews…

MnDOT Road Construction Ramps Up For Interchange Project

April 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction season is upon us and that means added congestion on some Northland roadways. One of the biggest construction projects is the Twin Ports Interchange. Southbound traffic on I-35 will be limited to one lane from 21st Avenue West to 27th Avenue West through Duluth during the current phase. MnDOT project managers are advising drivers to add…

UPDATE: Firefighters Investigating Cause, Watching for Hotspots on Highway 61 After Multiple Fires Saturday

The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hotspots along Highway 61 North of Silver Bay are still being monitored Sunday by fire crews from six different area fire departments, Minnesota DNR Fire and Air assets, and Lake County Rescue squad, among other responders. The cause remains under investigation. The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency…

Tree Clearing for Bats, Soil Processing Last Steps Before Mission Creek Restoration Work in August

Crews start tree clearing Wednesday, and expect soil processing to finish by the end of July.

March 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Reconstruction work is finally set to begin this summer on the Mission Creek burial site in Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood, three years after MnDOT crews accidentally tore it up working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge there. Before they can get started, they have to finish some prep work which includes a plan to keep the area’s…

Bentleyville Modifying Drive-Thru Tour After Vehicles Turned Away Opening Night

Volunteers and Duluth Police had to work though traffic hiccups with the new setup, but said all-in-all it was a successful start.

November 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville Tour of Lights kicked off its new 2020 drive-thru season Saturday night, and before getting to the Christmas lights — vehicle headlights decorated the streets around Bayfront Festival Park, as crews worked through some challenges with the new setup. “When it’s the very first time you’re attempting to do a drive-thru and it’s opening night there’s always gonna…

St. Louis County Plow Drivers Gear Up for First Heavy Snowfall

"You just never know what mother nature throws at us but whatever it is we're ready for, ready for the challenge," a county plow worker said.

October 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As much of the Northland is gearing up for Tuesday’s dumping of snow, St. Louis County plow crews say they’re ready to roll out. The County’s 34-truck fleet got their plow wings Monday, the last part the trucks are outfitted with ahead of the first snow. According to District Maintenance Superintendent Gordy Halverson, all of the sand and…

Anderson, Decker Road Intersection Closing for Water Main Work

The City of Duluth will be closing the intersection of Anderson and Decker Roads until the 19th.

October 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday, an intersection near the busy Highway 53 and Haines Road in Duluth will close as the city does some underground work. The City of Duluth will be closing the intersection of Anderson and Decker Roads to install new water mains. Construction is expected to last until the 19th. Homeowners on Decker Road will still have access to…

One Dead, Two Injured in Two Vehicle Crash On Mesaba Avenue

September 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- One person is dead and two others sustain non-life threatening injuries after a fatal car crash in Duluth Saturday. Duluth police officers were dispatched to the area of Mesaba Ave and 7th St at 4:30 p.m, for a two vehicle crash with injuries, according to a spokesperson with the department. Upon arrival officers learned that an SUV traveling…

East Superior Street to Reopen Friday Evening

September 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A portion of East Superior Street is reopening at the end of the day Friday. It’s the section that starts at Lake Avenue in front of Pizza Luce. The street has been closed to traffic since the final Phase 3 of the reconstruction project began earlier this spring. There’s no opening date announced yet for West Superior…

Duluth’s First Street To Covert To Two-Way Traffic Monday

September 13, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, First Street traffic in Duluth will officially be converted to two-way traffic. It’s happening from Mesaba Avenue through downtown to 24th Avenue East. Traffic flow has not been consistent on First Street — with some sections two-way and others one-way. The city says the change will help cut down on confusion for drivers and improve…

Lake Avenue Bridge Reopens to Traffic After Three Months of Reconstruction

The new left turn lane to West Superior Street from the bridge will stay closed until the Superior Street Project is complete in November.

August 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The road between Downtown Duluth and Canal Park is open for the first time since April as crews finished the Lake Avenue bridge and part of the intersection on Friday. Crews spent the past few months repairing water and sewer lines underground and replacing the old bricks with brand new concrete. Turn lanes have also been reconfigured. While…

New Roundabout Proposed to Ease Traffic in East Duluth

August 13, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– There was a meeting to discuss plans for a new roundabout in Duluth Thursday night. St. Louis County Public Works and the city of Duluth held a virtual conference to talk about the roundabout planned at the intersection of Glenwood Street, Snively Road, and Jean Duluth Road in east Duluth. Currently, it’s an all-way stop that’s seen delays…

Portion of Michigan, Lower Michigan Street in Lincoln Park to Temporarily Close Monday

June 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday parts of Michigan Street in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood will temporarily close as crews make way for a new lift station being relocated due to the Twin Ports Interchange Project. Sections of Lower Michigan and Michigan Street between 21st Avenue West and 23rd Avenue West will be closed to all traffic until the project is done…

7 West Taphouse Re-Opens Amid Superior Street Reconstruction Downtown

Longtime customers say they're still excited to get back to their favorite restaurant.

June 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 7 West Taphouse is one of the bars and restaurants which has opened their locations this week, including in downtown Duluth — on top of the reconstruction of a portion of Superior Street happening right outside their door. On their first day open Monday, about 20-30 people came in for lunch. Customers are asked to wait at the…

Lakewalk Portion Below Sister Cities Park Temporarily Closing for Construction

June 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of the lakewalk will be temporarily closed Monday and Tuesday below the Sister Cities Park. Contractors will be onsite welding a steel plate extension to the existing sheet pile wall. A detour is posted through Gichi-ode’ Aking Park and reconnect the lakewalk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Road…

Minnesota Power Plaza to Be Renovated This Summer

Plans include added seating, gardens, and solar lighting.

May 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More changes could be coming to Downtown Duluth this summer as the Allete Company is working to renovate Minnesota Power Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Staff with Allete said the plaza will include increased accessibility including a sidewalk into Canal Park. They’re also looking to put in more seating, shading, gardens, and solar…

MnDot Prepares for 2020 Road Construction Projects

April 15, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– As the summer months get closer, it’s time to start getting ready for road construction season. Crews will soon be working on the roads to improve infrastructure around the Northland. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is getting ready to hit the pavement as construction season gets underway. “We’re improving our infrastructure and providing construction jobs,” said Margie Nelson,…

Twin Ports Interchange Construction Delayed One Year

$343 million project delayed because of contaminated materials found at construction site

March 11, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also known as the ‘Can of Worms,’ has been delayed a year because of unexpected problems. The I-35 and Highway 53 Interchange Project is budgeted at $343 million, but the whole project is expected to cost millions more. Construction was supposed to start this spring. It’s been pushed back largely because…

Keene Creek Park Improvements Presented to the Public

An informational meeting was held to discuss the improvements and upgrades to the park.

March 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most popular Dog and Recreation Parks is getting some big upgrades this year. We’re talking about Keene Creek Park near Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Planned changes include accessibility upgrades, a new playground, dog park improvements, trail resurfacing, and a new bicycle pumping rack. In 2016 the City Council approved the Keene Creek Mini Master…

Aerial Lift Bridge Set to Be Repaired, Upgraded

Crews will repair the sidewalk and upgrade the lights.

March 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A heads up to drivers who use the Lift Bridge. Repairs begin on Monday, which include an upgrade. Crews will be repairing the bridge’s sidewalk on each side. Pedestrians won’t be able to use the bridge at times, and traffic will be down to one lane during the day. As for the upgrades, the city is installing new…

St. Louis County Public Works Employees Vote to Ratify New Contract with County

Union members voted unanimously 133-0.

January 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- In an unprecedented unanimous vote, the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing St. Louis County Public Works employees voted to ratify a contract agreement with the County, ending their strike which began last Wednesday. “You ratified the contract 133-0, it was unanimous,” announced Teamsters Recording Secretary Erik Skoog. That announcement was met with raucous cheers from the Union members….

Superior Snow Removal on Hammond a Relief for Local Businesses

Local chiropractor said until now, it has been difficult for clients to get to their building.

January 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Public Works crews in Superior spent their Wednesday clearing large snow and ice banks along Hammond Avenue. Staff at Luke Chiropractic along the busy street said they haven’t seen the tall banks touched since the snowstorm over Thanksgiving. It has been a big obstacle, they said, for handicapped clients or those with injuries. So to have them cleared…

Family or Bust: Northlanders Set Out on One of the Busiest Travel Days of the Year

Variety of transportation used to get to their destinations.

December 24, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A record number of Americans are expected to head out of town this Holiday season, with Christmas Eve being one of the busiest travel days of the year. By car, by bus, by train or by plane, nothing was going to stop some Northlanders from getting to their loved ones this holiday. At the Holiday Stationstore on the…

Superior Mayor Paine: Most Streets, Alleys Plowed

Mayor asks public to email with missed streets or alleys.

December 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, Mayor Jim Paine said almost all streets and alleys have been plowed. According to the Mayor, Midtown and South End neighborhoods are the last to get cleared up. If there’s a street or alley that’s been missed where you live, Mayor Paine would like you to e-mail him so a plow can be…

Side Streets Stuck Under Snow Waiting For Duluth City Plows

City hopes plows attack residential roads in the next day.

December 2, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-The City of Duluth hopes to be 50% done with plowing the city’s 530 miles of roads by 6 a.m. Tuesday. It’s been a real challenge for crews tackling main roads while some people on residential streets say they haven’t seen a plow since the storm started. “We can’t deal with it at all,” said Mike Koberstein. Koberstein lives…

Bentleyville Snowed In For Third Day In a Row

Volunteers needed to help clear snow piles

December 2, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Too much snow has Bentleyville closed for a third day in a row, and maybe more. Crews and volunteers have been working to clear snow from Bayfront since 8 a.m. Monday. They are asking for more volunteers to help clear pathways and parking lots. You’re asked to bring your own shovel or snow blower. “We’ve never had snow…