At 5am on Tuesday August 20th, MnDOT opened up several connections between I-35 and I-535 with the Twin Ports Interchange project. These connections are causing less traffic for Garfield Ave. and Port Terminals. Although these connections are also impacting local businesses.

Several connections along I-35 and I-535 are now open for motorists. Pippi Mayfield, the D1 Public Engagement and Communications Director with MnDOT says the TPI project will open other routes this year.

“The TPI project right now, the Highway 53 bridges, that connection is still closed. We will have the bridges completed down to 21st Avenue West this fall. So you’ll be able to access Lincoln Park if you’re coming down the hill,” Mayfield said. “Then next year, the 53 bridges will be completed and you’ll be able to access them from 35 and 535. This entire time the project has been going, we have worked year-round. So we’ll continue to work through this winter. We’ll be working on the Highway 53 bridges throughout winter and into next year.”

Since 2021 the traffic congestion along Garfield avenue to the Blatnik bridge has been a nightmare for drivers. Also several businesses in the terminal port area have endured the incredibly long traffic delays from the TPI project.

Scott Vezina the Director of Communications and Marketing with True North Goodwill says throughout the road and bridge reconstruction period the Duluth Transit Authority continues to help with getting employees to work safely.

“Our employees are one of our top priorities and it has made their lives a little more difficult for anyone that’s commuting, they’re gonna have to take the long route. I wanted to thank the DTA for being an amazing partner through all of this,” Vezina said. “They’ve sent special routes for our employees and our mission services recipients. We really can’t thank them enough.”

Other businesses will soon be thriving from the new roadway connections. Deb DeLuca, the Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority says with less traffic congestion in the terminal port area, there will also be an easier time moving cargo.

“The traffic flow on Garfield Avenue is significantly reduced. I want to make clear that we’ve survived this and it’s just part of the life cycle of infrastructure replacement renewal. We really, really appreciate all the work that MnDOT has done to advance this support project,” DeLuca said. “Our business relies upon us planning ahead for our own infrastructure renewal projects. This investment is critical to supporting the sustainability of our communities and the economic growth of our city and region. “

There are detours for traffic to and from Port Terminal Drive, leading onto Helberg Drive. For more information about the traffic impacts with Twin Ports Interchange project you can read more here. Also for other stories about the Twin Ports Interchange project you can read more here.