Highway 53 Sign Replacement Near Duluth Starts September 6

Northland drivers will want to use caution over the next few months.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation is sharing details about a sign replacement project for Highway 53 that's scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 6.

According to the details MNDOT has released, the work will start south of International Falls and move along Highway 53 south towards Duluth.  Motorists should expect shoulder closures in the areas where the work is occuring.

The goal of the project is to replace the signs along Highway 53 that have reached their useful life; damaged and faded signs are included in the scope of the project.

MNDOT's timeline for this particular piece of work has it occuring for a while.  Once again, the work will start on September 6 by will continue until mid-November.  At that point, it will be paused for the winter months; it will resume again in mid-April 2023 when the next summer road construction season starts.

While safety is always a concern and should be top priority, the state transportation agency has issued reminders for drivers who might be traveling through the work zone on this sign-replacement project:

Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate through with care and caution

• Stay alert; work zones constantly change
• Watch for workers and slow moving equipment
• Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel
• Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

For more information about his project or any of the road construction projects coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, click here to visit their website.