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Michigan Street Utilities Upgrade Project Moves to Next Phase 

Michigan Street to Temporarily Re-open July 1-17

[Duluth, MN] - Michigan Street in downtown Duluth has undergone a significant utilities upgrade project since April involving electrical, gas, sewer, water and steam lines. This complex project has been progressing well with no delays and has finished the first two phases resulting in a temporary full re-opening of Michigan Street from July 1 to the 17th for traffic. Three additional phases are planned starting on July 18. 
 

Phase 3: 3^rd Ave West is fully open to traffic and the Duluth Transit Authority buses will resume operations at the Duluth Transit Center. Phase 3 impacts the area from the Medical Arts Building (312 West Michigan Street) to Republic Bank (415 West Michigan Street) which will be closed off starting July 18 for 6-7 weeks. The 4^th Ave West intersection will be closed for the first 4-5 weeks but traffic will have access to Republic Bank and the Ordean Building via 5^th Ave West. Access to the 300 block of businesses will be available from the opposite direction via 3^rd Ave West which will be signed two-way. The 4^th Ave West parking ramp will be accessible from the Depot Road (below Michigan Street).  

Phase 4: Starting in September, the work will impact access from Republic Bank to the 5^th Ave West corner for 4-5 weeks. The entry into the 4^th Ave West parking ramp is only accessible from 4^th Ave West, the ramp will be configured to allow temporary exiting at the 4^th Ave West and Michigan Street intersection. The traditional exit out of the parking ramp onto Michigan St. will be closed for the entire duration of Phase 4. Accessing the parking ramp from the frontage road is highly recommended.   

Phase 5: Concrete repairs along Michigan Street (between 6th Ave West and 5th Ave West) are also planned for late August into September as a follow up to Minnesota Power’s electrical work last summer. The north side of Michigan Street will be blocked off for approximately two weeks for site preparation and concrete pouring then will need one week to cure and harden. The goal is to open the south lane for traffic to pass while the concrete cures.

The City appreciates and commends MN Power, Duluth Energy Systems, the Duluth Public Works and Utilities staff, LHB Corp., Bougalis and Sons Construction, the local property managers, the Duluth Transit Authority and the Greater Downtown Council who have collaborated effectively on this multi-dimensional project.   

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