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.

West Duluth

Westgate Boulevard

Project: Westgate Blvd at 66th Ave West will undergo storm sewer pipe replacement thereby closing that intersection to traffic. Start date and estimated completion: starts June 22 with road expected to open July 10, 2015

Downtown and Hillside Neighborhood

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

Project: 8th Avenue East, between 4th Street and 8th Street, will undergo drainage repair, curb and gutter improvements, and pavement reclamation as a result of the June 2012 flood restoration work. Street parking and thru traffic will not be allowed on the avenue but cross traffic will be allowed at the intersections. Start date and estimated completion: June 22 through approximately September 25, 2015

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 and Fourth Street intersections remain closed. The project requires replacement of underground utilities in addition to new pavement along the avenue up to 5th Street. Start date and estimated completion: started in May and will be completed in August 2015

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

Project: Starting June 29TH the City will be 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. The work includes pipe bursting a 12” water main between 13th Ave E and 15th Ave E to pull in a high density plastic pipe and cured-in place-pipe (CIPP) renovation of a 24” water main between 13th Ave E and 15th Ave E. The 24”/36” water main between 12th Ave E and 16th Ave E will be constructed by conventional open cut construction.

A detour route will be set up for the project’s duration; however water main construction and road closures will proceed on a block by block basis. Road closures will be required when the water main is constructed by open cut construction. Signs will be located at the detour ends indicating at which avenue the road closure is taking place. The first closure is expected to occur mid to late July from 12th Ave E thru 13th Ave E, and then work easterly. In the first part of July, the contractor will be pipe bursting water main from 13th Ave E to 15th Ave E but 4th Street will not be closed to traffic for this work. Start date and estimated completion: week of June 29 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)

Project: In order to provide adequate gas service to existing customers east of downtown, the City will be working with Hanco Utilities to install a second larger gas main. This will augment the capacity of service to customers.

This work will require the closure of the south parking lane and sidewalk. Parking will be 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 will start work on 4th Street at 4th Ave East and work west towards 1st Ave West, then change direction south to work along the avenue. Once the work starts, 1st Ave West will be closed with no on street parking allowed. On 1st Ave West, crews will be installing the larger gas main in addition to replacing some 100 year old water pipes. The intersection at Superior Street will not be impacted. There will be some brief disruptions to water service. Start date and estimated completion: week of June 29 to October 2015

Canal Park and Park Point

Northwest Passage Skywalk to Undergo Reconstruction

Project: As part of the Duluth Transit Authority’s (DTA) construction of a new $29 million Multimodal Transportation Center, the existing skywalk that connects the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to downtown will undergo reconstruction. The initial phase of the Northwest Passage skywalk reconstruction begins on Monday, June 22, 2015 when the skywalk will be closed for an anticipated four months.

Start date and estimated completion: The skywalk will close June 22, 2015 at 6:00 AM with a September 20 anticipated opening. The DTA will have 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. The public is also encouraged to use available parking ramps/lots identified in the map as “P”.

Railroad Street in Canal Park (for Northwest Passage Reconstruction)

Project: As part of the Duluth Transit Authority’s (DTA) reconstruction of the Northwest Passage skywalk connection between the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and the new DTA facility, Railroad Street will be closed for about three weeks during this first phase of the project. Traffic will be diverted around the DECC onto Harbor Drive. A link to the detour map is available at DTA Road Detour Map. Start date and estimated completion: June 29-July 13, 2015 – additional information on transit impacts will be forthcoming as the project progresses

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. This work will require closure of the stairs as well as the section of the Lakewalk that directly connects to the stairs. This work is required to rehabilitate the steel support structure and concrete landings. Start date and estimated completion: June 1, 2015 through the end of July 2015

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 .

Chester Park Neighborhood

Skyline Parkway (west of Chester Bowl Park)

Project: Last year, crews worked for most of the summer along Skyline Parkway to repair the bridge, retaining walls and stabilize the soil damaged from the 2012 flood near Chester Bowl Park. Additional work is required this year to reassemble the stone retaining wall, reconstruct sidewalks and repave Skyline Parkway. Skyline Parkway is closed west of the entrance into Chester Bowl. Access to Chester Bowl is available from the east off Kent Road. Start date and estimated completion: April 2015 to early July 2015.

Woodland Neighborhood

Installation of Survey Monuments

Project: On Woodland Avenue, a surveyor working for the City will be installing survey monument castings at four intersections. Lanes will be reduced down to one lane in each direction at Elizabeth Street, St. Marie Street and the Arrowhead Road intersections. A turn lane will be blocked at Kent Road. Start date and estimated completion: From June 22nd to the 25th, weather permitting

North shore

Congdon Boulevard

Project: The City of Duluth is planning to start construction on June 22, 2015 on four retaining walls between the Boulevard and the shoreline with a detour for south bound (Duluth) traffic scheduled until September 17, 2015. The slopes were damaged during the summer 2012 flood. 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. Start date and estimated completion: June 22, 2015 to September 17, 2015

Overview Map Of Projects