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. The project will be delivered over two construction years.

February 2024 updated handout

Summary of work

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

Below is the corridor plan broken into segments for easier viewing.

• Scenic Drive to about 14th Street
• 14th Street to about Park Road
• 7th Avenue roundabout
• 11th Street roundabout

Visual quality manual

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)

Public meetings

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at the Two Harbors Community Building (417 South Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616-1648). Information presented will be posted here following the meeting.

Roundabout information

Why were roundabouts chosen for this project? Why not traffic signals? Can large trucks and recreational vehicles navigate them? Find those answers and more in this document.

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.