INTERNATIONAL FALLS — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a public open house as it works on a corridor study for highways 11 and 71.
The study is reviewing the corridor from the Koochiching County Road 91 intersection to Highway 53/2nd Avenue.
"The purpose of the study is to create a common vision and guidance for improving safety and efficiency for all users of the corridor," stated MnDOT's project webpage.
"The study will identify and document corridor and community needs, develop and evaluate improvement alternatives, and provide intersection and corridor recommendations to increase safety for motorized and non-motorized travel into the future."
The review will include studying intersections, both with and without traffic signals, and private access points. The open house is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, with a short presentation at 5:15 p.m. at the Backus Community Center, 900 Fifth St., International Falls.
Residents are also invited to leave feedback on MnDOT's comment map or take a survey on the corridor.
MnDOT is anticipated to have final recommendations for the corridor between April and June of 2026.
-
Klobuchar visited with Conservation Corps members, local and state fire officials and others during a follow-up on recovery from a devastating wind storm in June 2025.
-
The snow will likely stick around for at least a few days, with temperatures near zero possible Monday night, April 6, 2026, in the extreme north.
-
The People's Town Halls are an opportunity for the public to share how elected officials can help them meet their needs and build strong rural communities, the union said.
-
Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds.
-
The office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted.
-
The recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes.
-
The federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds.
-
Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
-
Ruby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026.
-
Heavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026.