The streets of Duluth will witness a temporary change in traffic patterns as the city has announced a closure on the 400 block of E Third Street, effective Tuesday, September 24. A necessary interruption comes into play, as a demolition contractor sets to work on the old St. Mary’s Hospital site, requiring the city to reroute drivers around the affected area. "The closure will detour traffic around the block but access to the Third Street Clinic will be available during clinic operating hours," informed the City of Duluth in a recent post on their official Facebook page.
To ensure continued access to healthcare, the closure comes with directives for patients and transport services to follow clearly posted signage directing them to the Third Street Clinic. These instructions are especially pertinent at the nexus of Fifth Avenue E and Third Street. The road, however, will be bound completely to the public during non-operating hours while workers diligently move to remove the skywalk poised above Third Street. "During non-operating hours, the road will be completely closed to the public while the contractor works to remove the skywalk above Third Street," the statement read further.
In addition to the closure, there is an extension of work at the intersection of Third Street and Sixth Avenue East. The project’s scope now extends to closing Sixth Avenue East between Fourth and Third Streets into the subsequent week. Motorists looking to navigate this area should be prepared for increased congestion and delays. The city suggests seeking alternative paths to the neighborhood surrounding the former hospital to avoid construction-related disruptions.
Drivers who intend to cut through the area should note that a posted detour will strategically navigate them to Fourth Street via Fifth Avenue West, skirting Fourth Avenue West around the job site. The City of Duluth provides a detour map for those needing visual guidance. "A posted detour will direct through traffic to Fourth Street via Fifth Avenue West, to Fourth Avenue West around the work area," the release instructed. The expected duration for this inconvenience stretches until Friday, September 27, when the block is slated to reopen to traffic.
Residents, commuters, and visitors to Duluth should allow extra time for their journeys and stay alert to the changes instituted for their safety and the safety of the construction crews on site. As the cityscape morphs temporarily, patience and planning become indispensable allies to the daily navigator.
