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Update on Downtown Duluth Utility Projects and Street Closures

(Week of October 19, 2015)

[Duluth, MN] – The City of Duluth is informing the public about the progress of downtown utility and road projects as well upcoming changes planned for travelers coming in downtown Duluth this week. Projects will reach completion by the end of October allowing for easier transit. The public is requested to drive slowly near construction zones and to plan additional travel time to reach their destination. The City appreciates the public's patience and cooperation during this busy construction season. Additional updates and notices will be provided to the public as project milestones arise.      

Superior Street (between 4^th and 5^th Ave West) – The maurices Headquarters crane was successfully removed over the weekend.  Though, additional electrical connections needed for the maurices Headquarters will require closure of Superior Street (between 4^th and 5^th Ave West) on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 starting at 10:00 AM. The work should be completed by evening and the road will reopen to traffic for the Wednesday morning commute.        

West Michigan Street (between 5^th and 6^th Ave West) - The electrical work conducted by Minnesota Power between the Duluth Depot and the Duluth Public Library along Michigan Street is on schedule and expected to be done by October 26. Michigan Street between 5^th and 6^th and Ave West remains closed.  

Motorists should also be aware that starting Thursday, October 22, at 10:00 AM, this Minnesota Power project will cross over onto 5^th Ave West for underground electrical connections.  Motorists exiting I35 into downtown will not be able to head north on 5^th Ave West due to the extension of this project. The closure of 5^th Ave West, between Michigan Street and Superior Street, will last until October 26.

Motorists headed north on I35 into downtown are recommended to exit at Superior Street or Mesaba Avenue. Those exiting at 5^th Ave West from I35 will need to turn right and take Railroad Street then connect to Lake Ave and turn north to access downtown.        

Michigan Street will be temporarily converted to two way traffic between 4^th and 5^th Ave West for the duration of this project in order to provide local access to parking facilities and deliveries. Street parking on Michigan Street will not be allowed from October 22nd to the 26th. The goal is to have 5^th Ave West open for commuters during the morning rush hour on October 27, then temporarily close the road after rush hour in order to pave the road. Paving will take several hours and completion is dependent of fair weather conditions.     

Commuters entering downtown from south bound I35 can access downtown via Lake Avenue or by following the frontage road to 1^st Ave West. In addition, the intersection at 3^rd Ave West and the frontage road right below Michigan Street will be opened for those needing access to the 4^th Ave West parking ramp from using the service road below Harbor City High School. As a reminder, Michigan Street between 2^nd and 3^rd Ave West is still closed to traffic for traffic signal work related to the DTA Multimodal Transportation Center. That particular project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

1^st Ave West - The gas line project along 1^st Ave West has progressed on schedule allowing for motorists to now travel from 1^st Ave West from Michigan Street up to West 1^st Street. Motorists travelling along 2^nd Street headed east will encounter reduced lanes at 1^st Ave West. The gas line project is still underway between 2^nd and 4^th Streets and should be completed by the end of October. 

Track road and utility projects in Duluth using www.duluthprogress.com

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