The Highway 61 Two Harbors project has been in development since the corridor since 2018. We have worked with the community to identify multiple improvement aspects of the corridor and presented the final corridor plan at the end of 2022. The project is in design stages now and will be constructed in 2027 and 2028.
Summary of work
The final corridor plan has a number of new features. Some of the highlights include
Left turn from Scenic Drive to Hwy 61 will be closed
Multi-use trail from Scenic Drive into town 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
Below is the corridor plan broken into segments for easier viewing.
MnDOT, along with consultants, City of Two Harbors staff and a community advisory committee, worked through the visual quality process for the Hwy 61 project. A public meeting was also held on May 21, 2024, for feedback. A visual quality manual has been published and passed along to the City of Two Harbors for reference on future aesthetics not covered within the scope of MnDOT's Hwy 61 construction project. The visual quality manual gives recommendations such as colors, textures, lighting, greenery, plantings, signage and more along the corridor. View the manual (PDF)
The Utah DOT Traffic and Safety division produced an informational video on roundabouts. It showcases the benefits of roundabouts (especially the safety benefit) to a wide variety of audiences. Roundabouts are not the perfect solution at all intersections, however, in the right locations, roundabouts can be a very safe and efficient way to move not just motor vehicles but pedestrians and bicyclists, too.
