Tree Clearing Along Highway 23 In Duluth Starts February 13 As Part Of Culvert Project
Motorists in the Duluth area should be aware of a project that is about to begin that will impact travel.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that beginning Monday, February 13, they will have contractors clearing trees on Highway 23 in western Duluth.
According to MnDOT, work will begin at US Steel Creek located near Becks Road. Motorists in the area should expect shoulder closures.
Next, the clearing will move to Gogebic Creek, which will result in lane closures on Highway 23 near Grand Avenue Place. The Munger Trail near Gogebic Creek will have short-term closures while trees are cut adjacent to the trail. Work is expected to be complete by March 3rd.
MnDOT notes that this clearing, along with future work that will be done in the area, is all in preparation for culvert work that will occur in the summer of 2023. They have provided the public with a summary of the entire project:
- For US Steel Creek, the deteriorating drainage structure is resulting in reduced hydraulic capacity and distress to Hwy 23. Culvert replacement will provide for adequate hydraulic capacity, structural stability, and road core integrity.
- For Gogebic Creek, the deteriorating drainage structure is resulting in reduced hydraulic capacity, and distress to Hwy 23 and Willard Munger Trail. Culvert replacement will provide for adequate hydraulic capacity, structural stability, and road core integrity.
- The planned project schedule has construction occurring from May through August 2023. There will be three stages of construction. Stage 1 will include Gogebic Creek and Munger Trail detours. In Stage 2, the Munger Trail will be reconstructed and there will be a temporary bypass of Highway 23. In Stage 3, the US Steel Creek culvert will be constructed.
MnDOT estimates the US Steel Creek construction cost to be $1.1 million, while the Gogebic Creek construction cost is estimated to be $1.7 million.