Load Restrictions Now In Place For Highway 53 Bridge

One of the bridges that was originally scheduled for reconstruction as part of the Twin Ports Interchange project now has load restrictions in place.  Officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation have determined that overweight vehicles will be restricted on the Highway 53 bridge in downtown Duluth - the one that crosses over West 1st Street, 20th Avenue West, and 21st Avenue West.

According to details released by MNDOT, the maximum vehicle weight for this bridge will now be 40 tons.  As far as on-ramps accessing Highway 53 from 21st Avenue West, maximu weights will be limited to 38 tons for single unit vehicles and 40 tons for semi-trucks and trailer trucks.  Weight limit signs are being installed on the bridge approach roadways starting Monday, June 15.  These weight restrictions will remain in place until the bridge is rebuilt.

Careful readers will note that this bridge was originally included on MNDOT's project schedule to be part of the Twin Ports Interchange project.  Due to a funding gap announced in March, the Highway 53 portion of the project was deferred until further funding is available.  Currently, that deferment places reconstruction of the Highway 53 bridge in the Capital Highway Improvement Plan for replacement i 2027.

For more information about this project or any of the road work being done by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, click here to visit their project page.

For the time being - as the COVID-19 Pandemic response is in place, MNDOT is working hard to adhere to Governor Tim Walz's Stay at Home executive order. Road work has been identified as a Critical Service by the state and will continue on.

Here are some important reminders from MNDOT about safety in regards to this specific project as well as any of the projects you might encounter this summer:

• Slow down when approaching a work zone
• Use caution when navigating through the marked-off work area
• Stay alert - work zones constantly change
• Watch for workers and slow moving equipment
• Obey the posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel
• Be patient
• Expect delays - especially during peak travel times

For more information about this specific project or any of the scheduled road work across the state, click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's online project page.