MnDOT holds survey, meetings on Highway 61 in Two Harbors

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting a survey and planning several virtual meetings as it plans new construction on Highway 61 through Two Harbors.

The road last underwent construction in 2018, but congestion is still routine on summer and fall weekends. Traffic has been known to come to a standstill and back up several miles out of town.

New construction is planned for 2025 and 2026. The project is now in the "corridor study" phase, with design expected in 2023 and 2024.

Right now, MnDOT is asking the public to fill out a survey on its website to "identify opportunities to improve the safety, mobility and operation of Highway 61 through Two Harbors."

Survey questions include whether traffic congestion during peak season is acceptable and if Highway 61 is currently safe for driving, walking, and biking. People are also asked to prioritize access to businesses and homes, faster drive time, pedestrian and driver safety, connections to all modes of travel, creating a welcoming environment, and parking.

Meanwhile, virtual public meetings will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 9, during which MnDOT will give a presentation on the study and answer questions. The meetings will be held at 10 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., and the same information will be presented at all three meetings.

Links to the virtual meetings and the survey can be found on the project webpage at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/two-harbors/index.html.