Two Harbors corridor project

About the project

In 2021-22, MnDOT conducted a corridor study along Hwy 61 through Two Harbors. We worked with the community to identify multiple improvement aspects of the corridor and presented the final corridor plan at the end of 2022. MnDOT worked with the City of Two Harbors to determine what portion of the project would be completed first. Phase 1 of the construction project is planned for 2025. Phase 2 will be determined when funding becomes available.

Corridor plan

The final corridor plan includes many new aspects. Some of the highlights include

• Left turn from Scenic Drive to Hwy 61 is closed
• Multi-use trail from Scenic Drive into town is separated from the roadway
• Roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 61 and 7th Avenue
• Multiple protected pedestrian crossing refuges and sidewalk improvements
• Roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 61 and 11th Street
• Retain existing traffic signal at the intersection of Hwy 61 and 4th Street
• Park Road intersection improvements
• Trail connections to future Gitchi Gami Trail

Summary of work

Phase 1 of construction will be from the railroad overpass to the Park Road intersection. This section does include changes to on-street parking to south side only, center continuous left turn lane, protected pedestrian crossing refuge by the golf course and improvements to the Park Road intersection. It will include a detour in 2025 during construction.

Corridor study objectives

• Identify opportunities to improve the safety, mobility and operation of Hwy 61 through Two Harbors.
• Study and recommend access management guidelines and best practices for the corridor to promote safety while accommodating accessibility needs of local businesses and owners.
• Consider and incorporate bicycle and pedestrian recommendations (previously developed by State) within and around the community and determine where they should be served including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Define necessary Purpose and Need statements for future environmental documentation.
• Maintain the long-term goals of the City of Two Harbors.

There are many different facets of the corridor that this project will consider (including, but not limited to):

• Motorized vehicle movements (passenger vehicles and heavy commercial (freight))
• Bicycle and pedestrian movements and accommodations
• Parking
• User origins/destinations
• Access management control
• Traffic control
• Lane configuration(s)