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.
“Downtown Duluth has needed attention for a long time. It’s become worse every year and I really don’t think it’s going to get any better.” -- Longtime Downtown Duluth businessman Nick Patronas, who pointed to regulatory and financial barriers that, in his view, continue to limit redevelopment.
The lesson of Sandstone is not nostalgia for a past that cannot fully return. It is a reminder of what is possible when people choose to engage with one another — when they know their neighbors, watch out for each other’s children and build something larger than themselves.
“I want to be the greatest D lineman to ever play arena football. So that's why I'm still out here crafting and getting better every day because that's my goal, to be the best ever.” -- Claude Davis, former New York Jets practice squad player
“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.