Frequently Asked Questions
Project Information
Why are you replacing the signal lights with roundabouts? The traffic signals are past the end of their lifecycle and need to be replaced. It is important to look at all alternatives when a signal has reached the end of its lifecycle due to cost and the length of time a new signal or other form of traffic control will be in place. An intersection study was done at both intersections to determine the best solution for the next 30+ years. The study looked at congestion and wait time, turning movements, traffic calming (slowing traffic down), vehicle safety, pedestrian and bike mobility and safety and right of way considerations. A roundabout was recommended for both intersections.
Why are you putting in roundabouts when it is not expected to improve backups? A two lane roadway only has so much capacity, and since expanding the roadway by adding lanes isn’t possible, there will be times that Hwy 61 in Two Harbors will experience traffic backups. The addition of roundabouts is expected to reduce existing weekday delay by up to 10%, which is already low. The biggest benefit of the roundabouts is reduction in existing peak weekend delay by up to 50%.
How will I get on to Hwy 61 without signal lights to break up flow of traffic? Roundabouts create natural gaps in traffic, even under heavy traffic, due to changes in driving speed and turning vehicles. This allows shorter but more frequent gaps in traffic, allowing for opportunities to merge or turn from driveways.
As a pedestrian, how I will I be able to cross Hwy 61 at a roundabout? In Minnesota, state law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. There are marked crosswalks at each leg of the roundabouts, with a pedestrian refuge island between each lane of traffic. Traffic speed is the most common factor in determining whether a driver will yield to a pedestrian. Due to the roundabout geometry, vehicle speeds are much lower at a roundabout. Also, vehicles are skewed to see pedestrians waiting to cross the street. Drivers are more likely to yield to pedestrians in roundabouts.
What pedestrian improvements are included with the project? Pedestrian activated warning flashers (Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons) will also be installed at 15th Street, 8th Street and Park Road.
How many parking spaces will be lost? There are currently 47 parking spaces on the north side of Hwy 61 and all of them will be eliminated with this project. All 45 parking spaces on the south side of Hwy 61 will be retained.
Corridor Study Information
What was the goal of the Highway 61 Corridor Study through Two Harbors? The study developed a range of possible changes to Highway 61 through Two Harbors and determined a recommended alternative for further development and support from the community. We looked at options to help address congestion, delay and safety.
Who were key Stakeholders in the planning process? Every voice is important. MnDOT identified a list of 15 to 20 individuals representing businesses, industry, local and regional governments, emergency responders, schools and institutions. They worked closely with us at key points in the study to ensure the diverse interests of the local community were represented.
Are local roadways going to be improved/developed to help support traffic along Highway 61, and what about a bypass of the community? This project did not study local roadways in detail. However, we did point out possible connections or other improvements off Highway 61 that could improve mobility along the highway. While a bypass has been discussed in the past, it was not the focus of this study or the project MnDOT has programmed to construct and fund. This study may leave recommendations for a potential future study of local connections of benefit to Highway 61 and/or an alternate route around of the Two Harbors community. This study focused on the current alignment of Highway 61 through Two Harbors.
How do you determine existing and future traffic for Highway 61? We look at historic data back several decades by gathering counts from both permanent and temporary data collection devices. We look at data sources that show trends of the seasonal/recreational variations in Two Harbors and along the North Shore. We use this data to help us project forward a growth rate for future traffic that accounts for the unique nature of North Shore and Two Harbors in specific.