Duluth Approves $2.7 Million for Urgent Roundabout Project on London Road

UPDATE: Duluth has officially approved a critical funding plan for two roundabouts on London Road, committing $2.7 million from its capital projects account. The reconstruction project is set to commence next year, with a firm deadline looming for city approval on the cooperative agreement by December 3, 2023.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will cover the majority of the project costs, but Duluth will be responsible for expenses pertaining to the city street legs at the new roundabouts planned for the intersections of 26th and 40th Avenue East. Additional expenses include crosswalk flasher systems near 32nd Avenue East and 60th Avenue East, along with rail-crossing upgrades and utility improvements.

City Councilor Wendy Durrwachter, representing the affected area, has expressed concerns over public pushback against roundabouts, questioning the necessity of spending $2.7 million on a project that faces significant community opposition. “There’s a lot of public pushback on roundabouts, and here we are spending $2.7 million on something many people don’t want,” Durrwachter stated.

Despite her advocacy for a cheaper and less controversial design, MnDOT Project Manager Tom Lamb reaffirmed that the project is well into its design phase. “This project has been in the making for years, and we are at a point where we need Council approval to move forward,” he explained, emphasizing the urgency of the timeline.

Durrwachter pressed for alternative options, especially in light of the city’s budget constraints for the upcoming year. However, Lamb noted that the final design has already been approved and bids have been released. “For the project to move forward, we need the city’s approval before the letting of bids on December 3,” he warned, indicating that any delays could jeopardize the entire project.

The city had previously consented to the design back in November 2023, which allowed the project to advance, though MnDOT did revise its initial proposal by dropping a third planned roundabout at 60th Avenue East after neighborhood objections.

As the first two of four homes at the 40th Avenue East intersection have already been demolished, the urgency of the situation is palpable. The two-year project is expected to reshape the London Road area significantly, despite mixed reception from local residents.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed on this developing story as Duluth navigates the complexities of urban planning and community feedback. The implications of this project extend beyond road improvements, impacting traffic flow and local accessibility for years to come. Share your thoughts on the project and its potential impact on your community!