The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) proposes to reconstruct MN 61 between 0.2 miles southwest of CSAH 61 and 0.3 miles east of Park Road in the City of Two Harbors, MN. The purpose of the project is to improve the condition of the roadway pavement and address concerns around safety, municipal utilities, and mobility in the Hwy 61 corridor through Two Harbors. The project will include reconstruction of 2.35 miles of Hwy 61 through Two Harbors with geometric changes to four intersections within the project limits, turn lane additions, traffic operations improvements, utility extensions and relocations, and storm sewer improvements. Additionally, the project will add segments of separated trails and sidewalks to improve community connectivity and meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
In accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, MnDOT is soliciting comments on the effects of this project on the Burlington Bay Campground. The project will impact 0.31 acres of the campground. This includes 0.07 acres of permanent acquisitions required for the realignment of the Hwy 61/Park Road intersection. Additionally, 0.24 acres of temporary easements are needed along Park Road near the main campground entrance and the tent camping entrance west of Park Road.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made a preliminary determination that the proposed action on Burlington Bay Campground is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, conditioned on public review and comment. A de minimis finding may be made when uses of Section 4(f) land will have no adverse effect on the protected resources.
Information on this impact and avoidance, minimization, mitigation or enhancement measures is available at the following website:
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/two-harbors/index.html
Comments must be submitted on or before January 2, 2026 to Josie Olson, MnDOT Project Manager, 1123 Mesaba Ave. Duluth, MN 55811; 218-221-6209; josie.olson@state.mn.us. Comments will become part of the official record and will be considered when making future project related decisions.
Northshore Journal: December 19 & 26, 2025
