The southbound direction of the 40th Avenue West bridge over I-35 in Duluth has reopened.
One 11’ lane is accessible across the bridge for traffic heading from the hillside towards the lake. Traffic will be able to access the ramp northbound to I-35 and Oneota St. Motorists exiting from northbound I-35 will continue to be detoured on Oneota St. to 37 ½ Ave. W. and then follow W. Michigan St. and W. Superior St. back to 40th Ave W.
What was intended as connection begins to blur into something else — something that, in its saturation, can feel closer to a pitch than a public service. An overextended one. Almost like a showroom floor that never quite closes.
The question is no longer simply whether Roger Reinert deserves another term. The question is whether Duluth believes it is on the path it wants — and if not, who has the discipline, clarity and courage to alter it. November 2027 will deliver the verdict. The work of deciding it begins now.
This time, the leverage isn’t casino revenue. It’s downtown frustration — visible poverty, safety complaints, business dissatisfaction and the persistent sense that downtown Duluth has not lived up to decades of promises.
The City of Duluth now spends roughly $1 of every $7 in the general fund on debt service. That’s money that can’t pave streets, fund libraries, or expand housing programs. And yet the answer to each new challenge is the same: another bond.
“The guys are expected to play fast, know what they're doing, communicate, make sure they stay in the weight room, eat well, and take care of their bodies because you can't make the club in the tub.” -- Minnesota Monsters head coach Daron Clark Jr.
The only real question is whether Minnesota still wants what Klobuchar's been selling all these years: steady, competent, familiar leadership that doesn’t make a mess of things.
“As a league, we’re proud of where we stand entering our second year and even more excited about where we’re headed. We’re committed to growing the game and taking Arena Football to the next level." -- AF1's Gary Compton
The Lester Park site represents a rare opportunity to align housing, recreation and economic development in a single, coordinated plan.