Highway 61 Construction (2015)

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philranger
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Highway 61 Construction (2015)

Post by philranger »

Does anyone know if there is construction happening on Hwy 61 again this year?

If so, where? and how long is the delay?
Isle Royale Trips: 2005-RH to Windigo via Greenstone. 2006-McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor. 2007-RH to Daisy Farm and back. 2008-Feltmann loop. 2009-McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor. 2013-Minong Ridge. 2014-Windigo+Huginnin Cove. 2015-Lookout Louise to LC to DF to MB. 2018-McCargoe to Todd to HL to Malone Bay. 2021-Windigo/Huginnin. 2022-RH-DF-MB-CH
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Tom
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Re: Highway 61 Construction (2015)

Post by Tom »

According to 511mn.org (MNDOTs Travel Site):
Between Ridge (1 mile west of the Grand Marais area) and Birch Drive (near Grand Marais). The roadway is reduced to one lane. There is a width limit in effect. There is a length limit in effect. Road construction work is in progress. Approach with care. Width limit 12'0". Vehicle length limit 100 ft. Until October 1.

Comment: On MN 61 south of Grand Marais, NB lane will close for grading, paving, and bridge construction. Traffic will be directed to a single lane with a temporary bypass and signal system. NOTE: 100' length restriction added for OS/OW vehicles.
Last updated Today at 8:36 AM by MnDOT
That's the only construction noted for Hwy 61; I'll be driving up that road tomorrow and if I can get Internet, I'll try to post back how it goes. Otherwise I return on next Thursday's boat.
Normally these one lane restrictions haven't been too bad, unless you're driving during peak leaf season...
WindChill
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Re: Highway 61 Construction (2015)

Post by WindChill »

Was through there at the beginning of the month. The only construction I remember was the bridge work mentioned above - it was a single lane for a couple hundred yards controlled by a traffic signal. I dont recall anything else so if there was more it didnt slow us down much.
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Re: Highway 61 Construction (2015)

Post by Tom »

I can confirm that Hwy 61 is pretty much wide open, and the construction noted is a non-event. It's just a light to allow for single lane bi-directional traffic around the construction zone, and when we passed through, we made it in one light interval. Told time waiting was less than two minutes.

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, though... Different story: :shock:
GPHotelCasino.jpg
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philranger
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Re: Highway 61 Construction (2015)

Post by philranger »

Thanks for the update. We're planning on staying at the Casino ($59 / night). This is a lot cheaper than anything in Grand Marias and worth the extra $ than saying in a tent in the Casino RV park.
Isle Royale Trips: 2005-RH to Windigo via Greenstone. 2006-McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor. 2007-RH to Daisy Farm and back. 2008-Feltmann loop. 2009-McCargoe Cove to Chippewa Harbor. 2013-Minong Ridge. 2014-Windigo+Huginnin Cove. 2015-Lookout Louise to LC to DF to MB. 2018-McCargoe to Todd to HL to Malone Bay. 2021-Windigo/Huginnin. 2022-RH-DF-MB-CH
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