EVELETH — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin construction on Highway 53 in Eveleth starting April 17.
Northbound and southbound traffic on the highway will be sent down the ramps to Highway 37 to temporary stop lights and then back up the ramps to continue on.
MnDOT said this traffic configuration will be in place through the end of May.
The Highway 53 bridges over 37 will be demolished between April 18 and 21, and 37 will be closed at that spot during that time. A detour will be put in place taking traffic through Gilbert.
St. Louis County will also be working on a project to improve access to Laurentian Elementary and Rock Ridge High School, with more information on that project on their website.
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MnDOT
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MnDOT
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Plus: Bemidji Area Schools approved a 3-year teaching contract along with $2.7 million in staff reductions; Gov. Tim Walz signed the nursing home "happy hour" bill into law; and the Lakes Area Food Shelf opened a new location in Baxter. -
Contributed/Park Rapids Fire DepartmentA St. Louis County woman is facing charges for a negligent fire on April 22, 2026. Earlier in the week, personnel in the Park Rapids area battled a 10-acre blaze. -
Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashA 39-year-old man was treated for injuries following a shooting in the early morning hours of April 22, 2026, in Cass Lake's Tract 33 housing area. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesResidents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should also check any recent burning they did to ensure the fire is completely out. -
Plus: The city of Virginia will begin removing and replacing ash trees in a proactive move against the invasive emerald ash borer.
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Lorie ShaullThe Legislature does not have to approve a new budget in 2026 but is still holding talks affecting taxpayer dollars. -
Contributed/University of MinnesotaResidents may notice increased tree removals in city boulevards, parks and public spaces because of the emerald ash borer, but new trees will also be planted in priority areas. -
Contributed/City of Grand RapidsGrand Rapids is working on a new master plan for Legion Park, with potential investments including a curling center, indoor fieldhouse and mountain biking trailhead. -
Contributed/Flick user Bjorn ChristiansonAn Afternoon with ORIP is a free session from the Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership that will cover an economic impact report and next steps for the industry. -
The public can learn more about ongoing projects in the forest on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
