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[DULUTH, MN] The City of Duluth will begin work on the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements project Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Lakewalk will be closed between Leif Erikson Park and Water Street; a detour will be posted directing pedestrian traffic in order to bypass the construction work. The detour route is as follows:

Westbound traffic: Lakewalk > South 23rd Avenue East > South 21st Avenue East > London Road > Rose Garden > Leif Erikson Park

Eastbound traffic: Leif Erikson Park > Rose Garden > London Road > South 21st Avenue East > South 23rd Avenue East > Lakewalk

The temporary closure is anticipated to be in place through October 2026.

The Lakewalk is a critical transportation route connecting neighborhoods, downtown Duluth, the Canal Park business district and the Lake Superior waterfront. The Lakewalk has experienced significant damage from past storm events and will experience future damage unless the City acts to ensure its long-term resiliency by mitigating the impacts of future storm events; the Lakewalk and Improvements project is designed to do so, and more. 

The Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project will stretch between Endion Station in Canal Park and approximately 27th Avenue East. The project will address safety and access problems while improving user experiences and protecting the trail and downtown. Work will include retreating the trail from the shoreline where possible, coastal revetment and restoration, improving and consolidating water access, new wayfinding and interpretive signage, and new site amenities. Project work is expected to be temporarily completed at the end of October 2026 with the Lakewalk open to use through the winter. Construction will resume in spring 2027 and work is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of 2027.

For more information about the project, or to submit questions or comments, please visit the project page on the City of Duluth website.

An informational presentation about the project will available to the public on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm through Microsoft Teams. The meeting link will be posted on the project page once available.

The existing memorial elements placed along the Lakewalk within the project area will be affected by construction. Families of loved ones that are remembered with an existing memorial bench or tree are asked to provide updated contact information to Parks and Recreation at (218) 730-4300 or parks@duluthmn.gov.

Future trail closure segments will be necessary as the project progresses. Information about trail detours will be posted as those segments are affected.

The Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project is supported by federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation, state grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, State of Minnesota bonding, a grant through the Minnesota Historical Society, city bonding, and city tourism taxes.

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