Highway 61 tunnel work begins May 5

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be starting work on Highway 61 at the Lafayette Bluff and Silver Cliff tunnels on May 5. This project will replace the lighting systems in each tunnel.

Motorists can expect single lane traffic through the tunnels Monday through Thursday controlled by a signal system. Work will take place first at Lafayette Tunnel then move to the Silver Cliff tunnel. There will be no traffic impacts Fridays through Sundays, and closures will take place at one tunnel at a time. Work is expected to last through mid-November.

For maps and project information, please visit the website here: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/hwy61-tunnels/index.html

Work Zone Safety Tips:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Do the zipper merge.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

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