MnDOT answered questions from Duluth residents about the ongoing construction of the Twin Ports Interchange project after being delayed. Pete Marthaler, a Construction Manager with MnDOT, presented an update on the Twin Ports Interchange project.

Last year there were delays to road construction after the discovery of indigenous human remains at the construction site.

“We found some items of historical significance. As per required by law we defer right away to the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council,” Marthaler said. “At that point they have taken over regulatory authority as provided by the Minnesota legislature to do what they need to do to investigate and recover anything that is needed.”

The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council were present at MnDOT’s meeting. Although they declined an interview regarding the items of historical significance.

As for the road construction; what are the next steps MnDOT is taking after being a year behind schedule?

“I-35 is unchanged as far as that schedule goes. Our goal is to open 535 to 4 lanes by the end of this year. 53 will be open to, as well as on and off ramps at the end of next year,” Marthaler said. “We want to do things so that the workers can do the work safely. But at the same time have as little impact as possible to the traveling public.”

Marthaler said the warm conditions throughout the winter did make a difference with road construction.

“Having that mild winter was definitely useful for the workers,” Marthaler said. “Because they’re not out there in the sub-zero temperatures just to try to meet some schedule that we have. So that’s been helpful for them.”

For more information about MnDOT’s progress with the Twin Ports Interchange project you can look here. Also for other stories with the Twin Ports Interchange Project you can read more here.