Tree clearing will begin along Highway 61/London Road on Monday, February 16. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), trees being removed are located in the MnDOT right of way and in construction easements. Drivers can expect shoulder closures and lane changes while work is occurring.
There will be a public update meeting scheduled for sometime in late March. WDIO will update this story once the date and time is released.
MnDOT says the tree work is in advance of the construction for roundabouts that is expected to begin in April. According to MnDOT’s website, this project will begin with construction at 26th Ave E and at 40th Avenue E. Due to bypass construction at 40th Ave E, London Road will only be open north of the intersection to northbound traffic. Southbound traffic will be detoured on Superior Street to 21st Ave. E. This configuration should continue through mid-June.
(MnDOT)
Then, in mid-June, construction will continue for the 26th Ave E roundabout. During this phase of the project, work will be done on mainline London Road between 40th Ave E and Lester River. MnDOT says the road will only be open to northbound traffic. Southbound traffic will continue to be detoured on Superior Street to 21st Ave E.
(MnDOT)
The projected cost of this project is $24.5 million.
According to MnDOT, the benefits of this project include: smooth pavement, improve pedestrian safety, improve roadway drainage, improve traffic flow, and improve traffic safety.
For project information, please visit the website here: mndot.gov/d1/projects/londonroad/.