UPDATE: The city of Duluth has officially committed to funding $2.7 million for the installation of two roundabouts on London Road. This decision comes as the reconstruction of this major thoroughfare is set to begin next year, with plans already in place for a two-year project.
Just announced by city officials, Duluth will pay for the city street legs of the new roundabouts at the intersections of 26th Avenue East and 40th Avenue East. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will cover the bulk of the reconstruction costs, but the city is also responsible for additional expenses, including crosswalk flasher systems and utility improvements.
The urgency of this project is underscored by the fact that two of the four homes slated for demolition at the 40th Avenue East intersection have already been leveled. 1st District City Councilor Wendy Durrwachter expressed concerns, noting significant public pushback against the roundabouts. “There’s a lot of public pushback on roundabouts, and here we are spending $2.7 million on something many people don’t want,” she stated.
Despite her reservations, Durrwachter acknowledged her personal preference for roundabouts but questioned the need for their specific locations. “Do we have any sort of itemized price on what the city needs to pay just to redo the road, versus adding these roundabouts?” she asked.
City Administrator Matt Staehling confirmed that the project is well underway, stating, “This has been years and months in the making. We’re at the point now where we need Council approval for this project to move forward.” With the final design already approved, the city must act quickly to avoid jeopardizing the project.
MnDOT Project Manager Tom Lamb reiterated the need for action, emphasizing that bids must be let by December 3, 2023. “For the project to move forward, we need to have the city’s approval of the cooperative agreement prior to the letting of bids,” he explained.
Any delays now could threaten the entire project, as Lamb pointed out, “There is really not ample time to look at other options. We’re at the very end of the road here.”
In light of community concerns, MnDOT has already scaled back its initial proposal, dropping plans for a third roundabout at 60th Avenue East after local objections.
The project is poised to reshape a critical area of Duluth, but as the city navigates this controversial decision, residents remain divided on the merits of the roundabouts. With construction scheduled to begin next year, all eyes are on Duluth as it moves forward in a rapidly changing landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
