Those of you using Hwy 61 North of Duluth check out the road construction for this season.

good info...thx

Since we live here on the Gunflint Trail and drive 61 often, I can confirm there are only two seasons, winter and construction. It appeared this past winter would never end, and construction never does.

They don't show it on the map but they are doing construction down South of Tofte for about a 5 mile stretch. Widening the ditches out or something. The road is rougher than crap in that spot.

What kind of delays are we looking at??

Here is more info from the MN website for highway construction: Highway 61 construction info Highway 1 and 2 construction info

After seeing all the road work going on, if I ever hear MNDOT say they don't have enough money again I will blow my cork!

Just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Checked out the website information, but still have some questions. Are we looking at any kind of major delays when we're coming from Duluth in a few weeks up to Tofte Ranger Station via HWY 61? Want to make sure we build in plenty of time to pick up our permits, and with 7 hours on the road before that, lengthy unplanned delays are not welcomed. Can anyone give an estimate on recent drive times between the two areas as compared to normal? Thank you in advance!

Looking for road work/closures 600 miles from home. What, are ya a fireman or something?

quote Canoe42: "Looking for road work/closures 600 miles from home. What, are ya a fireman or something?"

Well that was one of the best answers to a question I have ever heard on this forum. You must be some sort of genius or something.

We just drove Duluth to GM yesterday. Don't get your nickers in a sweat. It is no big deal. There are 2-3 one lane stoplites for short distances only. Delays might be 5 min max.

quote georgelesley: "We just drove Duluth to GM yesterday. Don't get your nickers in a sweat. It is no big deal. There are 2-3 one lane stoplites for short distances only. Delays might be 5 min max."

That's good to know. Thanks!

When are they planning on being done with road work. Anyone know ?????????????????????????????????

quote plumbbob: "When are they planning on being done with road work. Anyone know ?????????????????????????????????"

According to the MNDOT website the single lane bypasses will last up to September 12th. The project will be completed in Oct.

There are only three spots all the way to Grand Portage that are single lane. Just went up and down the last two Tuesdays July 8th and 15th and worst delay was five minutes or so wait. No big deal otherwise was surprised how light traffic was.

Coming through Duluth and turning at Two Harbors, that doesn't look bad at all.
(Of course, I'm in the CHicago suburbs,...)

quote HowardSprague: "Coming through Duluth and turning at Two Harbors, that doesn't look bad at all.
(Of course, I'm in the CHicago suburbs,...)"

No, 61 that far is clear, but some minor construction in Duluth, nothing to worry about.

quote georgelesley: "We just drove Duluth to GM yesterday. Don't get your nickers in a sweat. It is no big deal. There are 2-3 one lane stoplites for short distances only. Delays might be 5 min max."

Just returned from 6 days at a cabin on Pike Lake near Lutsen. 2 of the 3 delays on 61 were from just outside Lutsen to GM. No big deals except maybe on a wk-end. 10 minutes at most. For peak construction season along 61-- a very smooth drive in both directions.

quote OldFingers57: "Those of you using Hwy 61 North of Duluth check out the road construction for this season. "

On my way home, going south on Hwy 61 from the Gunflint Trail, encountered one of the construction areas between Grand Marais and Lutsen. We were stopped on the highway, in the early morning, for what seemed like 15 minutes. They were loading a dump truck in the one open lane. Very frustrating, but like someone said, just enjoy the scenery. There is also a six mile stretch of torn up roadway on the Gunflint, between Hungary Jack and the end of the trail. It is also a very frustrating delay and they are watering it down, which makes a nice mess on your vehicle. I can remember when the last few miles of the Gunflint where unpaved.

I am going to Ely and avoid the construction on Hwy. 61