City Subscriptions

Three Downtown Duluth Avenues to Convert to Two Way

Provide Easier Access to Commercial Businesses

[Duluth, MN] –  Three avenues in downtown Duluth will convert from one to two way as part of the City of Duluth plans to improve transit and access to downtown businesses. The conversion of First, Second and Third Avenues West (from Superior Street up to 4^th Street and intersections between Lake Ave to 4^th Ave West) will ease access and allow more direct connections to downtown businesses with smoother circulation; it will also be a benefit to residences and visitors as the City prepares for the reconstruction of Superior Street in 2018.

Other avenues have been converted over the years based on observation, studies and feedback from area residents and businesses. The lack of circulation on the three western downtown avenues is in conflict with the eastern avenue conditions and have caused confusion and frustration for some motorists as they navigate downtown.  

The conversion was introduced this past winter and approved by the Duluth City Council with a planned approach in multiple stages. The work will involve signage changes, center line striping and covering four traffic signals and installing stop signs. Please see the details below and the project map for exact locations. The West 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Streets will remain one-way traffic.

The field work to make the conversions will take place the week of July 17^th and will begin after 9 am on Monday. The intent will be to complete the conversions by the end of the week but will be weather dependent. City crews will start on 3^rd Avenue West, move to 2^nd Avenue West, and then 1^st Avenue West. Each avenue will be completely closed during the conversion of that road, but the intersections will remain open for street traffic to continue to flow. During the conversion process, there will be no access to street parking on that particular avenue. Each avenue conversion will take approximately 1-2 days, pending good weather conditions.

The changes to each intersection are provided below:

1^st Street

• 1^st street and 1^st Avenue West – the traffic signal will be covered and stop signs will be installed on both the avenue and street (all-way stop condition)
• 1^st Street and 2^nd Avenue West – the traffic signal will be covered and stop signs will be installed on the avenue only
• 1^st Street and 3^rd Avenue West – the traffic signal will be covered and stop signs will be installed on both the avenue and street (all-way stop condition)

2^nd Street

• No changes will be made to second street traffic control at the intersections (signals will remain)

3^rd Street

• 3^rd Street and 2^nd Avenue West – the traffic signal will be covered and stop signs will be installed on the avenue only
• Several parking spaces will be removed to the east and west of each intersection on 3^rd Street (1^st Ave W, 2^nd Ave W, and 3^rd Ave W) and the bus stops will also be re-located to the west side of the intersections. This will provide better sight distances for the new direction of travel on the avenues.

The public is reminded to pay extra attention for the switches in traffic control at the intersections. As a friendly reminder:

-  Motorists should remember that a crosswalk exists at every intersection regardless of whether it is marked or unmarked. Scan the road for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when turning onto the one-way streets. Stop for crossing pedestrians in a crosswalk. Never pass or go around a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

-  Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Clearly show your intentions of crossing. Ensure you have an adequate gap in traffic before proceeding. Stay off cell phones while crossing.

A survey will be shared with the public after the conversion commences to collect public input and insight. Questions about the project can be directed to Taryn Erickson at Taryn J. Erickson tjerickson@DuluthMN.gov or by calling (218) 730-5087.

# # #