MNDOT Archives - Fox21Online

MnDOT Lights I-35W Bridge Blue, Yellow in Support of People of Ukraine

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Twitter, it'll stay those colors through the weekend in support of the people of Ukraine.

February 25, 2022

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The I-35 W Bridge in Minneapolis glowed blue and yellow Friday night. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Twitter, it’ll stay those colors through the weekend in support of the people of Ukraine. MN-DOT added: “We stand united with Ukrainians here in Minnesota and around the world.” Here in Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says she does not…

MnDOT Crews Ready for First Snowfall

Currently, MnDOT is pretreating the elevated roads to prevent frost.

November 10, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Brace yourselves northlanders winter is coming. Snow is expected to fall tomorrow in parts of our region, and crews at MnDOT are ready for it. Since October 27th, crews had vehicles calibrated with the right mixture of sand and non-chloride potassium acetate according to their routes making sure fewer chemicals go into the groundwater and wash into…

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…

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…

City of Duluth Helping Recruit Women, People of Color for CDL Training

With highway heavy construction projects like the Twin Ports Interchange in the area drivers are needed for equipment delivery and dump trucks.

June 12, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Women and people of color in Duluth are being urged to apply for construction jobs requiring a commercial driver’s license as the nationwide hiring shortage hits that industry. With a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Workforce Development is ramping up recruitment to get women and people of color into CDL classes. With highway heavy construction projects…

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…

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…

Blatnik Bridge Maintenance Begins

Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the bridge during this work.

July 6, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine inspections of the Blatnik Bridge began on Monday morning. MNDot workers plan to do these inspections every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the next few weeks. Crews are checking to make sure the structural integrity of the bridge is intact. Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the…

Northland Prepares for First Widespread Snowfall

Preparation began earlier than usual for the Minnesota Department of Transportation

November 20, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for its first widespread significant snowfall of the season, the preparation began earlier than usual fro the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT isn’t the only one preparing. Local businesses selling snow removal equipment have seen an up-tick in business. The day for MnDOT was spent preparing their trucks for what could be a long…

MnDOT Hosts Monthly Construction Meeting

October 28, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT hosted its monthly construction meeting Monday. Among the updates were the announcements that summer projects like the repaving of Railroad Street and Garfield Avenue were completed. One of the bigger ones they showcased is a preview of the Lake Avenue bridge rehab work. The bridge crosses over Interstate 35. Rehab will begin next year. “Although it…

Lake Superior Zoo After the 2012 Flood

After major damage and missing and dead animals, Zoo says they're back and better than ever.

June 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo was one of many areas ripped apart by the 2012 Northland Flash Floods. Now, seven years later, they’re on the right track, according to Zoo officials. The 2012 flood damaged the Barnyard, destroyed the Polar Shores exhibit, and claimed the lives of fourteen animals, even leaving a seal stranded on a nearby street. Now…

Construction Begins on Highway 53, to be Completed October

Drivers should expect road closures and closing of a rest stop south of Eveleth.

June 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- On Monday construction work began on Highway 53 just south of Eveleth. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, motorists traveling on Highway 53 will encounter temporary lane closures beginning Monday as a major resurfacing and bridge repair project begins. The Anchor Lake Rest Area will also close. During the closure accessibility improvements will be made. The rest…

Plans to Ease Bayfront Area Traffic and Parking Unveiled

Metropolitan Interstate Council holds meeting to release full plan, get public feedback.

May 22, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer inches closer, so do festivals and concerts–both at the DECC and at Bayfront Festival Park. Those events are becoming more frequent, and that means growing parking concerns and traffic that backs up onto I-35. But plans are moving forward to help change that, unveiled Wednesday by the Metropolitan Interstate Council, or MIC. The Council is working…

Minnesota Legislators Listen to Constituents at Town Hall Forum

Representatives answered questions from constituents.

April 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota lawmakers heard directly from the community at a Town Hall forum in Duluth. Politicians present were State Representative Liz Olson, Senator Erik Simonson, and MNDOT Commissioner Margaret Kelliher. They sat onstage at the Norshor Theater where they were asked questions from constituents who wanted their voices heard. “I hope we can proceed with line 3 to get our…

MnDOT Updates on Mission Creek Burial Ground Restoration

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

February 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Transportation shared an update on its efforts to restore an unearthed Native American Burial site in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT held another community meeting on Wednesday. Transportation officials say after nearly two years of the accidental unearthing by MnDOT. Crews are continuing their sensitive work which has been slowed a bit with the…

Talks Continue for Duluth-Minneapolis Rail Line

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

February 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Talks are continuing to move forward for a passenger rail line between Duluth and the Twin Cities. This past week, the North Shore Scenic Railroad hosted a representative from Amtrak, who met with Mayor Emily Larson, Councilor Noah Hobbs, and other city officials about the Northern Lights Express idea. The new train would add Duluth to the 500-city…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

December 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

MnDOT Updates Public on Can of Worms Interchange

Work to Begin 2020

November 26, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-The future for the Can of Worms Interchange is looking a little brighter in Duluth. The Minnesota Department of Transportation met Monday with the community at Clyde Iron Works to give an update on the reconstruction on the project. MnDOT says main work on the project will begin in 2020. They hope to modernize the current infrastructure originally built…

Making Railroad Crossings Safer

New Safety Measures Aim to Reduce Accidents

October 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Saint Louis County ranks in the top five counties in Minnesota for the number of crossing accidents reported each year. On Monday, the city and North Shore Scenic Railroad unveiled new measures to change that, at multiple spots around the community including at 45th and 47th Avenues East, McCulloch St., and Harbor Dr. City leaders gathered at the railroad…

Residents, City at a Crossroads over Glenwood Street

Community Meeting at Lester Park Elementary Abuzz with Concerns

September 19, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Lester Park Elementary School was alive after school hours Wednesday. A meeting was held between the city and community members to address traffic concerns with Glenwood street intersecting with Jean Duluth and Snively roads. It appears after numerous speeding tickets, accidents, and even a fatality at that intersection, community members and the city both say enough is enough, but…

Mission Creek Updates from MnDOT

Community Members Voice Concerns at Meeting

September 19, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 387. That was the magic number from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the community. They say it will take 387 days to finish burial recovery at the grave site unearthed by Mission Creek Bridge Construction. It is the first time they have had a measurable timeline for the project. After burial recovery, crews move to cemetery restoration,…

Twin Ports Interchange Project Update

The Twin Ports Interchange monthly updates happen every last Monday of the month at Clyde Iron Works at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

August 27, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – We ‘re about a year away from the beginning of construction on the Twin Ports Interchange Project. The planning process has already begun. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) held its monthly update meeting for the project. The Twin Ports Interchange Project is meant to enhance safety on the interchange by moving left exits to the right and…

Burial Ground Restoration Concerns Unaddressed

MnDot Meets with Frustrated Fond Du Lac Residents and Native Americans at Chambers Grove Park

August 16, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Duluth, Minn.- There is growing anger from the Native American Community and people who live in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. They say they’ve got more questions than answers involving the ongoing restoration of a sacred Native American Burial Site, that was accidentally unearthed more than a year ago by MnDOT workers. On Thursday dozens of disgruntled Fond Du Lac…

Bus Rodeo Takes Over Duluth

The Bus Rodeo is an opportunity for drivers to put their best skills in gear through 12 obstacles.

July 14, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Transit bus drivers from across Minnesota are driving to be deemed the best. Don’t worry it’s not a race, they’re competing rodeo style. It’s a unique route unlike any bus drivers would encounter while on the job. “Do things they normally never would do on the street,” judge Tom Gotphery said. It’s the 31st annual Bus Rodeo and…

Restoration Continues on Historic Fond Du Lac Cemetery

MnDot officials tell us productive changes are in the works.

June 26, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of transportation is releasing new information on a Native American grave site in the Northland disrupted by highway reconstruction last spring. MnDOT is working year-round to restore the historic cemetery. Nearly 20% of the site in West Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood has been processed, meaning soil and items found are being examined to determine if…

Pilots Abruptly Asked to Leave Wayne Johnson Silver Bay Airport

Pilots are now searching for a spot at other local airports within one hundred miles, but are only adding to a lengthy waiting list.

June 6, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SILVER BAY, Min.- The airport in Silver Bay is now shut down after what city officials are calling an abrupt inspection by MnDot due to safety concerns. Nearly one dozen pilots are being asked to leave the Wayne Johnson Silver Bay Airport immediately and are not allowed to fly back in. The Wayne Johnson Silver Bay Airport is basically silent…

Local Road Improvements Take Priority Before Twin Ports Interchange Project Begins

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hoping to receive feedback from the community.

April 30, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Updates on the long-awaited can of worms construction formally known as the Twin Ports Interchange Project. Officials say construction on local roads will be the first priority before starting work on the interchange itself. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials tell us work will begin on Garfield Avenue, Railroad Street, and 7th Avenue W. during the 2019 construction season. The…

MnDot Considers “Can of Worm” Intersection Updates

The can of worms intersection is a visibility concern.

January 29, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s ‘can of worms’ or what the Minnesota Department of Transportation formally calls the “Twin Ports Interchange Project” is slowing sliding along. MnDot is currently narrowing down the preferred alternatives to make the “can of worms” intersection a safer place for drivers traveling through the Twin Ports. Monday night transportation officials discussed advancing the design process and taking…

Plow Drivers Power Through To Clear the Snow

Operators plowed the shoulders in preparation for additional snow

December 14, 2017

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was another busy day for plow drivers still cleaning up from this week’s snow storm. The biggest snowfall so far this season had trucks clearing 99 routes throughout the eight county district. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) crews applied a sand and salt mixture to try to keep the roads from getting too slippery. In Duluth the lake effect…

November Peak Month for Deer-Vehicle Crashes

October 31, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – November is the peak time for deer-vehicle crashes in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The increase in crashes is due to deer mating season occurring in November. Increased deer movement and reduction of daylight increases drivers’ chances of encountering deer on roadways. From 2013-15, there was 6,149 reported deer-vehicle crashes, according to the…

Midday Update 6-9-17

Local news and weather headlines for the Northland.

June 9, 2017

Brett Scott,

Categories: News Update Tags: Brett Scott, construction, duluth, FOX 21, minnesota, MNDOT, Natalie Froistad, News, news duluth construction, northland, Remains, Road Work, sports, weather, William Seay

MnDOT Reminds of Work Zone Awareness

Nearly 800 Accidents Happen Each Year During Minnesota's Construction Season

April 5, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Each year in Minnesota almost 800 crashes happen just in work zones alone. It’s why the Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking to raise awareness during the week of April 3 through April 7. On average, seven people die each year in Minnesota because of work zone related accidents. With summer construction season setting in, MnDOT wants…

MNDOT

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Twitter, it'll stay those colors through the weekend in support of the people of Ukraine.

Currently, MnDOT is pretreating the elevated roads to prevent frost.

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

The Biggest Change Impacting Drivers Will Begin October 1, 2021

With highway heavy construction projects like the Twin Ports Interchange in the area drivers are needed for equipment delivery and dump trucks.

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

Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the bridge during this work.

Preparation began earlier than usual for the Minnesota Department of Transportation

After major damage and missing and dead animals, Zoo says they're back and better than ever.

Drivers should expect road closures and closing of a rest stop south of Eveleth.

Metropolitan Interstate Council holds meeting to release full plan, get public feedback.

Representatives answered questions from constituents.

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

Work to Begin 2020

New Safety Measures Aim to Reduce Accidents

Community Meeting at Lester Park Elementary Abuzz with Concerns

Community Members Voice Concerns at Meeting

The Twin Ports Interchange monthly updates happen every last Monday of the month at Clyde Iron Works at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

MnDot Meets with Frustrated Fond Du Lac Residents and Native Americans at Chambers Grove Park

The Bus Rodeo is an opportunity for drivers to put their best skills in gear through 12 obstacles.

MnDot officials tell us productive changes are in the works.

Pilots are now searching for a spot at other local airports within one hundred miles, but are only adding to a lengthy waiting list.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hoping to receive feedback from the community.

The can of worms intersection is a visibility concern.

Operators plowed the shoulders in preparation for additional snow

Local news and weather headlines for the Northland.

Nearly 800 Accidents Happen Each Year During Minnesota's Construction Season

Latest News Update