2025 Road Construction Projects

Everyone knows it wouldn’t be summertime in Minnesota without some road construction! But don’t let the woes of potential driving delays keep you from enjoying your North Shore vacation! Here is the list of 2025 road construction projects that may affect your trip so you know best how to avoid road construction all together, or know when you’re going to have to slow down and give yourself a little more time to get around.

St. Louis County – Duluth

Most notable of the 2025 road construction projects for guests driving north to the North Shore will be the ongoing “Can of Worms” projects in Duluth that has been going on for several years now. In addition to that project, several bridges are set to be repaired along I-35 in Duluth.

The first potential delay drivers will encounter along I-35 will be the Twin Ports Interchange project, also known as the “Can of Worms Removal Project”. While the majority of the work for this project was completed in previous years, some work remains and will continue through the summer and fall of 2025. Traffic impacts on I-35 will be minimal as the majority of the work this summer is happening on Highway 53 and I-535. Drivers on I-35 should not experience lane closures but should expect some delays and traffic during peak times. Those wanting to go to Superior, Wisconsin or head up the hill to the Miller Hill Mall area will want to find alternative routes. The map here shows the current areas under construction. Click on the map to enlarge.

Starting almost immediately after the Can of Worms project area, starting at Garfield you will run into the I-35 Duluth Bridge Rehabilitation Project that started in 2024. This project will see lane closures and delays on I-35 and will impact access to exits leading to downtown Duluth and Canal Park. Anyone planning to visit these areas will want to research the best alternative routes ahead of time or prepared to follow detours. Here is more information on lane and exit closures from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MDOT):

Single lane closures will begin on Tuesday, April 15, and traffic will be shifted to a head-to-head pattern on the southbound lanes on Wednesday, April 16. The following ramps will close as a part of this project: I-35 northbound off-ramp to 5th Avenue West, I-35 northbound on-ramp from 5th Avenue West, I-35 southbound on-ramp from 5th Avenue West, and I-35 southbound on-ramp from Lake Avenue. Access to Hwy 194/Mesaba Avenue from I-35 northbound and access to I-35 southbound from Hwy 194/Mesaba Avenue will be maintained. Detour signage will be in place for each closure.

Lane closures will switch sides in June and continue through mid-August. So, Labor Day weekend visitors should not be impacted by this project. That’s some good news, right?

Lake County – Two Harbors, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay

Want more good news? There are no planned MDOT 2025 road construction projects on Highway 61 from Duluth, through Lake County, and through Grand Marais! Once you clear Duluth, there should be smooth sailing up the North Shore. Minus, of course, normal summertime weekend traffic.

However, there are some county road and city street projects planned in both Two Harbors and Silver Bay, that will create some closures to be aware of. In Two Harbors, several streets around the waterfront area will be closed. In Silver Bay, there will be notable closures on Banks Blvd and Edison Blvd. Just follow marked detours to reach your destination within the cities of Two Harbors and Silver Bay. These should not cause significant delays.

Cook County – Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, Hovland, Grand Portage

Once again, MDOT 2025 road construction projects have spared much of the North Shore from summertime road closures! Anyone traveling North with Grand Marais as their final destination will be happy to know that once you get out of Duluth, your drive should be road construction-free on Highway 61! Those continuing on to Hovland, Grand Portage, and for day trips to Canada should prepare for single-lane traffic and stop light-controlled sections as MDOT works to replace six aging box culverts. (Yes, we know there are only 5 on the map. We’re not really sure where the 6th one went…) These culverts will be replaced one at a time to reduce the amount of closures and delays.

Some of our guests staying the Hovland area may find their driveways affected by the single-lane traffic. When departing from the home, it may be difficult to see which side of traffic has the green light. When this happens, it is recommend waiting for traffic to go by so you see which direction they are traveling in and then depart after the last car in the line traveling in the direction you need to go in. This may mean waiting a few extra minutes to ensure safe movement around closures.

There will also be several county road projects happening that will affect some movement around the area. Most notably, the single-lane by-pass on the Gunflint Trail. This closure runs from the bottom of the hill to Pincushion Drive as a bridge replacement takes place. Prepare for delays going up and coming back from the Gunflint Trail.

Finally, Tofte Park Road will be resurfaced in July. This project will affect guests staying at Morning Light and Superior Escape. Though, local traffic should still be permitted to enter the area.

Help Reduce Traffic Backups!

Even though the 2025 road construction projects went pretty easy on the North Shore this year, some delays can still be expected. You can help reduce delays and traffic incidents in construction areas by following basic traffic laws. Slow down and follow reduced speed limit signs. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Stay alert and aware at all times when driving, but especially around work zones. And, of course, practice proper zipper merge techniques (yes, RESIST the urge to merge early)!

Don’t let the idea of road construction keep you from enjoying a wonderful summer on the North Shore. Just come prepared, slow down, and enjoy the journey. We’ll see you up here soon!