Brace yourselves, Duluth commuters, for a bit of detour-induced frustration. According to an announcement from the City of Duluth's latest news bulletin, there will be temporary closures related to the St. Mary’s/Essentia Demolition Project starting this Friday, November 22. A pivotal portion of E Fourth Street will be out of commission to make way for the arrival of a heavyweight—a crane that's crucial to the demolition process.
The one-day street closure of E Fourth Street is situated between N Fourth Avenue East and N Fifth Avenue East and here's the kicker, the shutdown is scheduled solely for allowing the crane to settle in. But wait, there's more—come Monday, November 25, Third Street will also feel the punch. Specifically, the segment between Third Avenue E, and N Fifth Avenue E, this will be prepped for the hospital’s teardown, and here's the misstep: Part of Third Street will be temporarily transformed into a two-way traffic zone.
Local motorists, take heed—you'll likely hit some snags in your routine rides. With Third Street between N Third Avenue E and Fourth Avenue E flagged for bi-directional travel, and the stretch from N Fourth Avenue E to the entrance of Essentia’s Green Ramp becoming a no-go zone, plan accordingly. If you're bound for the Green Ramp, access is granted via N Fifth Avenue E, thankfully free from the closure's grasp.
Adding to the road reshuffle, N Fourth Avenue E, has found itself in the mix, closing between E Third Street and E Fourth Street. Those navigating the neighborhood should anticipate the work to extend for approximately four weeks. Drivers are advised to remain vigilant and drop their speed whilst contractors chip away at the project that, no, statements of inconvenience can't overshadow its significance. The recommended detours and a full map of traffic adjustments will be provided to ease the gridlock woes, and with a slip of the fingers, has been shown on the included map.
