Construction season has begun in Grand Marais area

Although the large "Road Closed" sign on the western outskirts of Grand Marais declares that Highway 61 will be closed for construction on May 10, there is already construction activity underway. 
 

In preparation for the roadwork, the stoplight at the intersection of 5th Avenue West and County Road 7, near North Shore Health, has been activated again. Motorists are reminded to look for the traffic signal, not the stop signs.  
 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that initial work will start on Thursday, May 6. Work will get underway from 3rd Avenue West to Broadway Avenue and from 8th Avenue West to 3rd Avenue West on the lake/south side of the road.
 

Starting on May 6, the Highway 61 truck detour will begin with truck traffic being routed on County Road 7. 

For more information, please visit the project website here. 
 

Also happening now is construction on the Gitchi Gami State Trail between the Cutface Wayside Rest and the outskirts of Grand Marais.
 

Next week, contractors will be drilling rock on the trail Monday, May 3 and starting to do some blasting on Tuesday, May 4.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office advises that if sounds of an explosion are heard in the area of mile markers 105 and 106, the trail work blasting is likely the cause.
 

The sheriff’s office reminds motorists to be careful driving through this area. Please observe signs and watch for workers that may be near the highway.