Summary Of Multiple Construction Projects In The Northland

I've been busy trying to keep you in the know on the construction projects going on the Northland. Whew, sometimes it's hard to keep up. The City of Duluth gave details on all the projects thus far and this should help you plan a stress-free route.

While these construction projects in Duluth can be an inconvenience, they are critical to the ongoing maintenance and longevity of our city infrastructure. You should be aware that you may experience slow moving traffic and backups especially during rush hour or special events. Remember to slow down in construction zones. We'll be sure to let you know the progress as these projects advance towards completion.

The summer construction season is in full swing with multiple projects taking place throughout Duluth. The City of Duluth encourages the public to plan their travel accordingly and when possible, use the posted detour routes or alternate routes. Bear in mind you may experience slow moving traffic and backups especially during rush hour or special events. Planning ahead to reach your destination is the best way to combat being late to your destination. Hopefully, this detailed construction information will help you.

West Duluth

46th Ave West

This avenue is being milled and reconditioned with paving to follow in several weeks.

Downtown and Hillside Neighborhood

8th Ave East (between 4th Street and 8th Street)

Eighth Avenue East, between 4th Street and 8th Street, is undergoing drainage repair, curb and gutter improvements, and pavement reclamation as a result of the June 2012 flood restoration work. Street parking and thru traffic is not allowed on the avenue but cross traffic is allowed at the intersections. Estimated completion: Approximately September 25, 2015

Skyline Parkway (between W. 7th St. and Mesaba Ave)

This stretch of Skyline is being milled and reconditioned with paving to follow next week pending good weather. The road will not be closed but travelers should drive slowly.

Pecan Ave

Pecan Ave between Central Entrance and the Rice Lake Road is undergoing milling to be followed by paving in the next several weeks as part of a larger mill and overlay program this summer. There will be no disruption to traffic but motorists are requested to drive slowly and cautiously.

10th Ave East (between 3rd and 5th Street)

Project: Reconstruction of 10th Avenue East in Duluth's Hillside neighborhood is progressing. Motorists are asked to follow detours. The Third Street intersection is now open but the Fourth and Fifth Street intersections remain closed. The project requires replacement of underground utilities in addition to new pavement along the avenue up to 5th Street. Estimated completion: August 2015

East 4th Street Water Main Project (12th Ave East to 16th Ave East)

Project: The City started replacing several water mains on 4th Street between 12th Avenue East and 16th Avenue East. The hundred year old pipes need to be replaced prior to the commencement of the St. Louis County’s 4th Street Reconstruction project next year. To minimize the road closure for each block, trenchless construction methods will be utilized and the work will advance block by block.

A detour route is set up for the remainder of the project; however water main construction and road closures will proceed on a block by block basis. Signs will be located at the detour ends indicating at which avenue the road is closed. Businesses are open and business signs have been placed along the detour route at the corresponding Avenue to direct patrons. This week, the contractor is working on installing 24” water main in the 1200 block of 4th Street. During this time 4th Street, will be closed from 12th Ave E to east of 13th Ave E. Also, there will be limited parking available in the 1300 block. Estimated completion: Ongoing through November 30

East 4th Street gas main replacement project (between E 4th Street to 1st Ave West and south on 1st Ave West towards Michigan Street)

In order to provide adequate gas service to existing customers east of downtown, the City is working with Hanco Utilities to install a second larger gas main. This work requires the closure of the south parking lane and sidewalk along East 4th Street. Parking is available on the upper side of the street. Crews will tackle a couple of blocks at a time but the road will be reduced in width. Crews started work on 4th Street at 4th Ave East and plan to work west towards 1st Ave West, then change direction south to work along the avenue. There was a slight delay due to incorrect shipments of materials but the contractor is now making good progress along 4th Street.

On 1st Ave West, crews have been installing a larger gas main in addition to replacing some 100 year old water mains. The intersection at Superior Street is not impacted but the work has closed 1st Ave West between Michigan and Superior Streets and between Superior and First Streets. The first block of water main installation between Michigan and Superior Street is completed and road restoration will commence this week. Utility pipe installation has started between Superior Street and First Street and will close that section for about two more weeks. Businesses within the vicinity of the project may experience some disruptions to water service. Estimated completion: October 2015

Canal Park and Park Point

Northwest Passage Skywalk

The Duluth Transit Authority’s (DTA) construction of a new $29 million Multimodal Transportation project is now entering its second phase with a planned transition on Sunday, August 2. The planned reopening of the skywalk is still planned for September 2015.

Starting Sunday, August 2, at 9:00 PM, the frontage road between 5th Ave West and Lake Ave and Railroad Street is scheduled to reopen to traffic. Phase 2 requires implementation of day time and night time closures.

The DTA is planning for night time closures that would commence starting August 2-13 from 9 PM until 6 AM each day and daytime road closures between August 14-29. The public can expect lane closures on I35 northbound during this second phase. Visit the DTA website for details at DTA Multimodal Webpage.

The DTA has detour routes established and free bus shuttles running periodically between the DECC, Canal Park, and downtown. Trolley service is also provided for $.50 per rider. The shuttle and trolley service routes are available at DTA shuttle route map.

In addition, as part of this project, periodic closures are required for delivery and removal of equipment and materials. Therefore, the DTA is closing Michigan Street between 2nd Ave. West to 3rd Ave. West starting today, July 29, until August 4.

Stairs leading to Lakewalk trail (near Portland Malt Shoppe and Fitgers Complex)

Project: The City is repairing the stairs leading from the Portland Malt Shoppe down to the Lakewalk Trail in the 700 block of East Superior Street. The stairs will be open to the public by the middle of next week, but a crew will still be on site installing new railings.

Lift Station No. 8 Reconstruction

Project: Starting August 3rd, the City will reconstruct lift station No. 8 located 731 Lake Avenue South on Park Point. Reconstruction includes converting the existing dry well wet well station to a triplex submersible pump station. Work includes building and equipment demolition, bypass pumping, temporary pumps and controls, new pumps, mechanical piping, new electrical and controls and a new building. The pump station reconstruction work is expected to last until December 18th with restoration and landscaping work being completed by June 2016.

During construction, the right hand lane (on the bayside) and parking lane of Lake Avenue South will be closed for approximately 200 feet north and south of 8th Street. Traffic will be shifted to the other lane to allow a driving lane in each direction. Also 8th Street will be closed from the Lake Avenue South intersection for a distance of 60 feet westerly. Access for nearby residents will be available off Minnesota Avenue. Start date and estimated completion: Starts August 3 with the traffic control expected to last until December 18th.

Park Point Beach House Stairs

The Park Point Beach House granite stairs are being replaced with new concrete forms to ensure safe entry into the beach house. The concrete stairs will be poured and formed this week but will not be open to public use until the middle of next week. Temporary railings will be in place until the permanent railings are ready to be installed, at which time the stairs will need to be closed for 1-2 days for the installation.

Chester Park Neighborhood

Skyline Parkway (west of Chester Bowl Park)

Project: Work took place this year to reassemble the stone retaining wall, reconstruct sidewalks, repave Skyline Parkway and install railings. Skyline Parkway is now complete and open for public access.

Kenwood

McFarlane Road: a box culvert is being replaced at MacFarlane Road and Chester Creek. The road is closed to thru traffic and the project is expected to be completed in mid-October.

Woodland Neighborhood

Woodland Ave

Milling of the road surface on Woodland Ave at Kent Road down to East 4th Street occurred last week. Crews will be ready to pave the road starting this week. Completion is still scheduled for mid-August.

Upper Woodland Ave

The section of Woodland Ave between East Austin and Pleasantview Road is in need of storm sewer repairs. The project is scheduled to start in September and finish in October 2015. Milling and paving of the road will follow the storm sewer project.

Congdon

Hawthorne Road (upcoming)

Additional flood related repairs are planned for Hawthorne Road between 4th Street and Vermillion Road. Once a contractor is selected, the City will notify the public about the project details and traffic impacts.

East 4th Street - Tischer Creek Bridge

The work to repair the flood damaged bridge over Tischer Creek is expected to be completed in the next week.

40th Ave East

This road is being milled and reconditioned with paving to follow in several weeks.

Lakeside/Lester Park and North shore

London Road (upcoming)

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be milling London Road between the Lester River and the Highway 61 expressway to be followed by paving. Project details will be forthcoming.

Glenwood Street

Crews are working to patch portions of Glenwood Ave which should be completed this week.

Congdon Boulevard

Project: Since the start of construction in June, one of the four retaining walls between the Boulevard and the shoreline has been completed. A detour for south bound (Duluth) traffic is scheduled until September 17, 2015. The detour will be from Lakewood Road to McQuade Road. The approximate locations of construction will take place from 7801 Congdon Boulevard to 90th Ave. E. Estimated completion: September 17, 2015

Superior Street

Reclamation of the road has been completed along Superior Street between Lakewood Road and McQuade Road. Due to necessary culvert repairs that need attention along this portion of the road, paving will not take place until mid-August.