The work is done, the orange cones are gone, and Highway 61 north of Duluth is ready for traffic from tourists and locals alike.

But first a celebration. And maybe - an award!

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the general public to a Highway 61 Completion Event, scheduled for Thursday, September 15 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in Grand Marais.  The celebration will happen on the lawn at the Grand Marais Public Library:  102 2nd Avenue West.

Officials with MNDOT will be on hand to present an informal program at 12 Noon and light refreshments will be served.  Attendees will be able to see the design work and the completion of the project first hand.

MNDOT NE FB Page
MNDOT NE FB Page
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In addition, the Highway 61 project has earned two awards:  Winner of the Quality of Life/Community Development Award from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and "honorable mention" for Cole Value Awards from International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

It's the first of those awards that MNDOT would like your help with.

AASHTO has selected the Minnesota Highway 61 road project design for national recognition.  That includes the competition for Grand Prize and the People's Choice Award.  In order to compete, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking the general public to vote on the People's Choice Award.  You can do so online by visiting americantyransportationawards.org.  You're able to cast your vote now through October 21.

MNDOT NE FB Page
MNDOT NE FB Page
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While the summer road construction season for the Minnesota Department of Transportation is pretty much winding down, the agency still has a variety of projects with active work zone.  In addition, some larger projects - like the Twin Ports Interchange Project here in the Twin Ports - will continue to be worked on throughout the winter months.  For full details and real-time road condition reports, visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's home page.

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