Expect Highway 61 weekday delays during leaf season travel

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation warns motorists to expect weekday delays while traveling along Highway 61 during leaf season. Increased traffic on weekdays in construction zones are expected to cause backups.

Temporary signals are in place at the Silver Cliff tunnel for lighting replacement and in Tofte for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Gitchi-Gami State Trail development. The Silver Cliff tunnel signals run each week from Monday morning until Friday at 12:30 p.m. The signals in Tofte run during day light hours Monday through Thursday and from sunrise to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. These projects are expected to last through the fall and neither have weekend traffic impacts.

Culvert replacement work is also taking place between Grand Marais and Grand Portage at two locations with bypasses and temporary signals running until work is complete in early October.

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 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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