The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be replacing a culvert on Highway 1 located 7.6 miles southeast of Highway 1 in Ely or 0.7 miles northwest of the Birch River Dam starting on Sept. 21. This work will require a detour using New Tomahawk Rd to Scott Rd/Ely-Babbitt Rd to County Rd 21 N. The detour is expected to be in place through Oct. 13, and traffic will not be able to cross Highway 1 at the location until work is complete. This culvert was previously damaged by flooding and is need of replacement.
For further information, please visit the project website.
Work Zone Safety Tips:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
