Traffic Will Soon Be A Single Lane Near The Lake Superior Zoo

According to the MN Department of Transportation construction will start near the Lake Superior Zoo and stretch several miles in June and delays should be expected, especially as the project progresses.

The Lake Superior Zoo will be on the south end of the project, but due to the length of resurfacing to be done and time frame to get it done, delays are to be expected, especially during the morning and evening hours that are considered peak travel times.

Their plan is to limit the open lane to 11 feet wide. That will eventually be from I-35 to 85th Avenue West as the project continues through the end of October. That means it's one-lane all summer. They'll take the winter off and resume the project in late Spring of 2016.

SUMMARY OF WORK TO BE DONE

In 2015 work will take place from I-35 to approximately 83rd Avenue West. The original bid for this work is $10,385,411.
In 2016 work will take place from 83rd Avenue West to Becks Road. The cost of the work being done in 2016 is estimated at $8.1 million.
The pavement in the project area will be removed to the underlying concrete. Then the surface will be repaved with a new bituminous.
Driving lanes in the project area will be reduced from 12-feet-wide to 11-feet-wide. This will increase the shoulder width to 6-feet on each side to accommodate bicyclists.
Americans with Disabilities Act improvements will be made at intersections.
Pedestrian-activated, high-visibility crosswalks will be added in various locations throughout the project to improve pedestrian safety.
Sidewalks will be included/improved on both sides of Hwy 23 (Grand Avenue) from I-35 to the end of the urban section.
The sidewalk will be extended on the riverside of Grand Avenue to the Pleasant View Mobile Home Park.
Additional trail connections will be made from Hwy 23 to the adjacent bike trail.
Bike lanes will be added on each side of Hwy 23.
Trees will be added (locations are yet to be determined).
Bus pull-outs are being added based on discussions with the city of Duluth and the Duluth Transit Authority.
Culverts will be replaced or repaired.
New curb, gutter and sidewalks will be built on both sides of Hwy 23 from I-35 to approximately 83rd Avenue West.
Curb and gutter will be replaced where needed.
A few city street connections onto Hwy 23 will be closed due to proximity to other street locations and safety considerations (between the zoo and I-35).
A new bridge will be constructed over Kingsbury Creek in front of the zoo.
A new bridge will be constructed over Knowlton Creek below Spirit Mountain.

It will be nice once it's done, but until then we need to have patience. Besides being down to one lane, there will be occasional temporary complete lane closure to watch for. Choose an alternative route to avoid the construction area and you should be golden!