Construction is set to begin in 2027 on a transformative project along Highway 61, spanning from County State Aid Highway 61 to Park Road through Two Harbors. This corridor plan, in final design as of mid-2026, carries a price tag of about $24.5 million. MnDOT, Two Harbors officials, and federal partners hope it will address safety issues, aging infrastructure, and connectivity concerns. The work is scheduled to take place over two construction seasons in 2027 and 2028.
Breakdowns: What’s Changing Along Hwy 61
- Two new roundabouts: one at the intersection with 7th Avenue and another with 11th Street, replacing outdated signal or turning points.
- Pedestrian upgrades: protected crossing refuges and sidewalk improvements, plus a multi-use trail linking Scenic Drive into town.
- Signal reconfiguration: retaining lights at key cross-streets (4th, 6th, 7th Streets), but closing the left turn from Scenic Drive onto Hwy 61.
- Park Road intersection and trail connections boosted—including linkages to the Gitchi Gami Trail up the shore.
- City infrastructure upgrades: sidewalks, curbs, gutters, lighting, pedestrian ramps, and utility replacement are all part of what the City of Two Harbors aims to achieve alongside state work.
Short-Term Impacts & Long-Term Benefits
There will be some disruptions: traffic detours during construction, particularly in busy stretches where Hwy 61 meets downtown Two Harbors. Utilities must be relocated or repaired, and portions of parking along Hwy 61 will be affected.
But the long game promises better safety—especially for pedestrians and cyclists—more reliable utilities, and a much more welcoming gateway. The City anticipates this will aid economic development and tourism, as Highway 61 serves not just locals but plays a critical role for regional traffic along the North Shore.
Community Needs & Ways to Plug In
Residents have already been involved through public meetings in 2024 and 2025; feedback helped shape the recommended design. For neighbors along the corridor, stay alert to notices from the City and MnDOT about neighborhood meetings and construction updates.
Also underway: related utility work, wastewater/sewer improvements, and sidewalk or trail extensions. Two Harbors has asked for significant funding to update infrastructure systems in tandem with the road work, so these changes stick well past the detours and orange cones.
If you’re affected by traffic or parking changes, or just want to stay informed, you can monitor updates from MnDOT District 1 and the City’s engineering office. Public input will still play an important role as final designs get locked in.