Relocation of Hwy 53
Between Eveleth and Virginia
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Graphic showing the huge ore formation in and around the Iron Range cities.


The area in pink shows the location of the Horn of Biwabik Iron Formation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project alternatives

 

MnDOT has reopened the scoping process on the Hwy 53 Relocation project.

 

The current layout alternatives are:

 

 

For each of the alternatives, there are numerous variations that can be studied. These variations include minor alignment shifts, number of lanes (such as the Super Two design), and improvements such as new traffic-control signal-systems, interchanges or railroad grade separations.

 

The cost to purchase right of way and construct any of the current layout alternatives is unknown at this time. As estimates become available they will be published. The project budget is $60 million.

 

 


E- 2 Alternative


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Existing Hwy 53 Alternative


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No Build Alternative


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No Build Reroute Alternative


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M-1 alternative


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Westerly alternative layout map.

 


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All Alternatives


Diagram showing all alternatives.


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2017 Projected Traffic Counts


Clickable icon with projected traffic numbers for 2017 in the Eveleth, Virginia, Iron Mountain and Gilbert areas.


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map showing all of the alternatives in one map.

Composite map showing M-1 and E-2 layouts.

 

 

 

Maps

 

Hwy 53 alternative corridors (PDF, 199 KB)

 

 

External studies

 

Laurentian Vision Design Charette (PDF, 4.81 MB)

 

 

SEH Study Commissioned by United Taconite (PDF, 4.41 MB)

 

No final decision on a preferred realignment route has been made. The information on this page is for information only and is subject to change.