![\"Project](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/G3P5BGVFW5HFZPCINPBQJW6F4M.png\")
Project phases(Northern News Now)<\/p>\nDULUTH, 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the start of construction season in Duluth\u2014and London Road is now an active work zone.<\/p>\n
Public affairs coordinator with MnDOT, Margie Nelson said, \u201cthings are going to be a little awkward as we\u2019re getting things set up, and as construction goes on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drivers can expect traffic control changes, likely on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, we\u2019re getting the temporary signals all set up and they\u2019re about to turn them on, motorists can expect to see changing conditions,\u201d said Nelson.<\/p>\n
MnDOT says to expect the biggest impacts near 40th and 26th as crews prep new roundabouts. <\/p>\n
Project phases(Northern News Now)<\/p>\n
Keep in mind, Southbound traffic will detour to Superior Street for much of the summer as the $24.5 million project ramps up.<\/p>\n
Businesses along the route, like Glensheen Mansion, hope customers still make the trip\u2014even if it means taking a different way in.<\/p>\n
Director at Glensheen Mansion, Dustin Heckman said, \u201cour 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
But with summer tourism nearing, there\u2019s concern fewer drive byes could mean fewer visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019re going to want to go up as shore,\u201d said Heckman.<\/p>\n
MnDOT says the work is big\u2014resurfacing roadways, utility upgrades, and sidewalk improvements\u2014packed into a short northern construction season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a condensed construction season based on where we live and we\u2019re going to get it done as quickly as we can, but it does take time. We can\u2019t just flip a switch and there it is. So, things will be changing, just expect that and just really give yourself extra time,\u201d said Nelson.<\/p>\n
MnDOT expects this phase of the project to run through November, with more work returning in 2027.<\/p>\n
MnDOT is also launching weekly virtual updates starting next week, plus email alerts for drivers who want the latest changes. <\/p>\n
You can visit the MnDOT webpage dedicated to more information on the Hwy 61 project at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n Construction updates regarding access to Glensheen can be found at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n