40th Ave W (CSAH 91) - Reconstruction

Overview

St. Louis County is leading a project in 2026-2027 to reconstruct 40th Ave West (CSAH 91) beginning at Grand Ave and ending near the railroad crossing (USDOT #251887W) for a total distance of approximately 0.42 mile. The project design is based on the preliminary layout that was developed from the 40th Ave West Corridor Study which started in September 2023 and completed in June 2024. This reconstruction project is necessary because the pavement section and curb and gutter on 40th Ave West are at the end of their service life. Likewise, the traffic signal system at the intersection of Grand Ave and 40th Ave West is nearing the end of its service life. The City of Duluth will replace city utilities along 40th Ave West in conjunction with the roadway reconstruction.

Key project components include:

1. Remove the traffic signal and construct a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Grand Ave and 40th Ave West.
2. Construct a raised center median along 40th Ave West beginning at Grand Ave and ending at 8th St. Openings in the median will be provided at intersections and alleys.
3. Construct a 10-ft path along the east side and a 6-ft sidewalk along the west side of 40th Ave West. Lighting will be provided for the 10-ft path and intersections.
4. Install an enhanced pedestrian crossing that utilizes a RRFB (pedestrian activated flasher) on 40th Ave West at 6th St.

The roadway reconstruction project in 2026 will stop approximately 100 ft short of the railroad crossing. A separate roadway reconstruction project for this gap is planned for 2027 in conjunction with a project to replace the signals and gates at the railroad crossing and extend the crossing surface. This separate roadway construction project will complete the connection of the 10-ft path on the east side of 40th Ave West to the existing sidewalk on the east side of Haines Rd.

Construction Schedule

2026 Construction

• Construction is expected to begin on August 24, 2026.
• Work in 2026 will be limited to between 8^th Street and the railroad tracks as well as some work outside the roadway at the Members Cooperative Credit Union.
• This phase of work is expected to be substantially complete by October 31, 2026.
• Temporary pavement and utility connections will be installed as needed to safely maintain the roadway over the winter.

2027 Construction

• Major reconstruction will resume in spring 2027.
• Construction will include the remaining roadway reconstruction and construction of the new mini roundabout at Grand Avenue.
• The intersection of Grand Avenue and 40th Avenue West is anticipated to reopen to traffic by late August, 2027

2026 Posted Detour

During the 2026 construction season, through traffic will be directed along the following signed detour route:

Morris Thomas Road → Stebner Road → Getchel Road → Highland Street → 57th Avenue West → Grand Avenue

40^th Avenue West will be closed between Grand Avenue and the railroad tracks beginning August 24 although the road work will be between 8^th Street and the railroad tracks. Local traffic will be able to access 40^th Avenue West from the side streets to access their homes.

The closure between Grand Avenue and 8^th Street is in place for the following reasons:

• To avoid vehicles going up 40^th Avenue West, seeing the road is closed, and then having to traverse through the neighborhoods as this is a problem on all road closures.
• Minnesota Power will be relocating their facilities beginning August 24 between Grand Avenue and 8^th Street requiring a road closure.
• To allow lay down and staging areas for the contractor
• To avoid driver confusion at the intersection of 40^th Avenue West and Grand Avenue

Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted detour signs and allow additional travel time while construction is underway.

Traffic Impacts

Residents and motorists should expect:

• Complete Road closures where work is occurring, but local traffic will be maintained.
• Access to businesses maintained at all times with signage directing traffic.