Highway 61 Construction (2015)

[philranger]

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

If so, where? and how long is the delay?

[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]

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.

[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:

[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.