Progress Update On West Michigan Street Indicates New Road Closures

West Michigan Street construction is continuing and that will mean new road closures and detours.  Here's what you need to know.

Today work began on the Michigan Street utility upgrade project that required the closing of West Michigan Street between 6th Avenue West and 5th Avenue West until October 3. The closure is allowing crews to replace the temporary street surface remaining from a 2015 construction project with a new concrete surface.

During this time they will be detouring you up 6th Avenue West to Superior Street, East on Superior Street to 4th Avenue West, and back down 4th Avenue West to Michigan Street. Also, 6th Avenue west between Michigan Street and Superior Street will be converted to two-way traffic and the 6th Avenue West and Superior Street intersection will be converted to a 4-way stop. Whew, you'll really have to be conscious of signage and other confused drivers in this area as there is a lot going on.

To add to the confusion, you should know the intersection of 5th Avenue West and West Michigan Street is scheduled to close sometime during the week of September 19th and will remain closed for about a week to facilitate concrete pavement installation in these areas. The intersection will remain closed for one week. At the time of 5th Avenue West’s closure traffic detours will be established. Motorists on I35 headed north into downtown can exit earlier and take Superior Street/Mesaba Ave exit or take the 5th ave West exit but travel further up to Lake Avenue for downtown access.  Traffic headed south of downtown can take Superior Street west or Mesaba Ave to access south bound I35.

As always, thanks for your patience and understanding!