DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – A huge construction project impacting a busy Duluth road, and one of the main connections to the North Shore, has officially begun.
London Road looks different today as work crews have started long-anticipated construction. Motorists will now see cones are up, and the regular commute for many drivers may become more complicated as detours are set to be fully in place by Wednesday.
It’s the start of construction season in Duluth—and London Road is now an active work zone.
Public affairs coordinator with MnDOT, Margie Nelson said, “things are going to be a little awkward as we’re getting things set up, and as construction goes on.”
Drivers can expect traffic control changes, likely on a day-to-day basis.
“Right now, we’re getting the temporary signals all set up and they’re about to turn them on, motorists can expect to see changing conditions,” said Nelson.
MnDOT says to expect the biggest impacts near 40th and 26th as crews prep new roundabouts.
Project phases(Northern News Now)
Keep in mind, Southbound traffic will detour to Superior Street for much of the summer as the $24.5 million project ramps up.
Businesses along the route, like Glensheen Mansion, hope customers still make the trip—even if it means taking a different way in.
Director at Glensheen Mansion, Dustin Heckman said, “our biggest thing is, we are going to remain open throughout entire construction, this year and next year, folks may have to take a little bit of a different route.”
But with summer tourism nearing, there’s concern fewer drive byes could mean fewer visitors.
“It’s always in the back of mind you know, what are tourists going to tolerate, so to speak, of how they want to make their door shore vacation and whether or not they’re going to want to go up as shore,” said Heckman.
MnDOT says the work is big—resurfacing roadways, utility upgrades, and sidewalk improvements—packed into a short northern construction season.
“We have a condensed construction season based on where we live and we’re going to get it done as quickly as we can, but it does take time. We can’t just flip a switch and there it is. So, things will be changing, just expect that and just really give yourself extra time,” said Nelson.
MnDOT expects this phase of the project to run through November, with more work returning in 2027.
MnDOT is also launching weekly virtual updates starting next week, plus email alerts for drivers who want the latest changes.
You can visit the MnDOT webpage dedicated to more information on the Hwy 61 project at this link.
Construction updates regarding access to Glensheen can be found at this link.
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