Alert: Beware of fake messages pretending to be MnDOT, E-ZPass or tolling agencies. We don’t text or email for payment. Delete and don’t respond.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 53 – Eveleth Rock Ridge Transportation Improvements

St. Louis County

Traffic impacts

Project work will begin on April 1. Initial work will be installing temporary traffic signals along the corridor. Hwy 37 bridge work will begin after signals are in place. Hwy 53 through traffic will be routed up and down Hwy 37 ramps when bridges are closed.

Map of truck detour and detour when bridges are closed

Map of truck detour and during temporary bridge closures. Click to enlarge image.

Detour map

Hwy 53 detour map expected from early June to late August. Click to enlarge image.

Summary of work

A rendering of the Hwy 53 intersection project.

Click image for full-size image

  • Remove and replace bridges at the interchange of Hwy 53 and Hwy 37
  • Safety improvements at intersections on Highway 53
    • Bourgin Road - geometric improvements
    • Progress Parkway - roundabout
    • Hat Trick Avenue - geometric improvements
  • Pavement resurfacing from Hwy 37 to Vermillion Drive
  • Improvements to sidewalks, trails, and intersection lighting

View an updated project layout here.

St. Louis County will also be completing work in this area. Visit the county's website for more information on their work.

Public meetings

MnDOT and St. Louis County will be hosting a public meeting with construction information on Tuesday, April 1 at the Rock Ridge High School Athletic Commons (1403 Progress Pkwy, Virginia, MN 55792) at 5:30 p.m. Information presented at the meeting will be posted here afterward.

Past meetings