Duluth’s Longest Detour Ends Tomorrow, With Closures For Mini-Roundabout In Spring

Good news for commuters in West Duluth! 40th Avenue West will reopen to traffic starting on Friday, October 23.

40th Avenue West Reconstruction Project

The project to reconstruct 40th Avenue West started in August, and a detour sending traffic all the way over to Stebner Road has been a headache for many. 40th Avenue West connects to Haines Road, and it's one of the few major roadways connecting the top of the hill to West Duluth.

St. Louis County

The 2026 phase of the project is wrapping up a week earlier than anticipated. Construction was expected to continue to October 31st. The work was done on the stretch of road between 8th Street and the railroad tracks. Temporary pavement and utility connections have been installed ahead of the work planned for next year.

Major Construction Starts Spring 2027

St. Louis County

Major construction on the remaining roadway will start in the spring. There will be a raised center median on this stretch from 8th Street to 40th Avenue West. A 10-foot path will be on the east side of the road, and a 6-foot sidewalk will be on the west side of the road. Lighting will be installed on the 10-foot path.

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40th Avenue West And Grand Avenue Intersection Closure

A new mini-roundabout is being installed at 40th Avenue West and Grand Avenue. It will be closed to traffic until late August, when the project is expected to finish. Mini-roundabouts are single-lane circles for traffic that fit within the dimensions of a standard intersection.