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.
Duluth’s short-term goal is tactical — keep Inland’s exclusivity alive, hit the paperwork milestones, and convince the Legislature to fund the $10.85 million in site-prep money the city calls the key that unlocks $250 million in private investment.
In 2025, for instance, they raised the levy by 1.85 percent but declared it a “0 percent” year for current taxpayers because new development supposedly absorbed the increase. But that’s a shell game. The levy still grew by nearly $800,000.
The city expects test results over the weekend and will share updates when available.
“From streets and utilities to parks and libraries, housing, public safety and economic development, the inaugural resident survey will shape decisions that impact every Duluthian.” -- Mayor Roger Reinert
If Washington has the humility to learn from Dr. Herman and Essentia's story, it might just rediscover what leadership in health care looks like — steady, patient, and powered by people who measure progress one healed life at a time.
Nationally, analysts note that Duluth’s homegrown health system has achieved what many academic centers still struggle with: integrating digital health records, preventive outreach, and local trust into a cohesive care network.
Health systems from across the country — and even from Canada — have begun studying Essentia Health's model of “rural integration,” which marries technology with value-based care contracts that reward prevention over procedures.
You can sense Lee's broadcast discipline the moment the red light clicks on. Her voice carries polish without pretense, her cadence deliberate but not cold. She has that calm, centered presence that suggests she’s not there to perform — she’s there to communicate.
