Duluth Approves $2.7 Million for Controversial Roundabouts

UPDATE: Duluth has officially committed to funding $2.7 million for the installation of two roundabouts as part of the upcoming reconstruction of London Road, set to begin next year. This decision comes despite significant public pushback against the project and tight deadlines for approval.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will finance the majority of the reconstruction costs for London Road, but Duluth is responsible for the expenses related to the city street connections at the new roundabouts planned at the intersections of 26th Avenue East and 40th Avenue East. Furthermore, the city will also bear the costs for crosswalk flasher systems located just east of 32nd Avenue East and at 60th Avenue East, as well as rail-crossing improvements and utility upgrades.

The urgency of the situation escalated when the first two of four homes destined for demolition at the intersection of 40th Avenue East were already leveled. 1st District City Councilor Wendy Durrwachter expressed concerns, stating, “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, who personally favors roundabouts, questioned if there could be a more cost-effective alternative to the current design.

City Administrator Matt Staehling emphasized the project’s advanced design stage, asserting, “This project is well along in its design. We need Council approval for this project to move forward.” He made it clear that any delays could jeopardize the entire endeavor. The city must approve the cooperative agreement before the bids are released on December 3, 2023.

MnDOT Project Manager Tom Lamb confirmed that the final design has already been approved, stating, “There is really not ample time to look at other options. We’re at the very end of the road here.” It’s important to note that the initial plan included three roundabouts, but due to community objections, the proposal was scaled back to two.

As the clock ticks toward the bidding deadline, Duluth residents are left grappling with the implications of this decision. With a two-year construction timeline anticipated, the outcome will impact local traffic and community dynamics for years to come.

The final approval process is crucial, and all eyes are now on the Duluth City Council as they weigh the benefits against the community’s concerns. What happens next could shape the future of London Road and its surrounding neighborhoods. Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue.