Central Entrance Vision Plan

Building a Better Central Entrance

 
Nov. 2022: Building off this vision plan, MnDOT has undertaken the next steps to plan, program, design and reconstruct the Central Entrance corridor.

Visit MnDOT’s Hwy 194/Central Entrance webpage for the most recent information about this project.

MnDOT is planning to reconstruct Central Entrance in 2025. This transportation plan, developed with community input, establishes a multimodal vision to guide the design and reconstruction of this roadway.

This plan, approved by the MIC Policy Board in January 2022, puts forward a vision for a Central Entrance that:

  • Is an attractive, safe and walkable gateway to Duluth, with wide sidewalks on both sides of the street and businesses with inviting storefronts;
  • Is a destination that the motoring public will experience as pleasant and comfortable traveling to and through;
  • Regains its previous function as the “main street” of the Duluth Heights neighborhood;
  • Encourages new residential and commercial economic development.

About the Project

Why is the Central Entrance Vision Plan being conducted?

Central Entrance has historically served automobile through-traffic and drive-by land uses. This auto-centric infrastructure is aging and deteriorating, and MnDOT is planning to fully reconstruct Central Entrance in 2026.

Over the past decades, studies have recommended improvements but few have been implemented. This transportation plan, developed with the community, will establish a multimodal vision for Central Entrance to guide the design and reconstruction.

About the Plan:

The Central Entrance Vision Plan recognizes there are different contexts and conditions along the corridor. It does not present a single recommended concept for Central Entrance. Instead, it provides a set of concepts and design elements that can be combined based on further evaluation to realize the overall vision. Its guiding values shape the final recommendations:

  • Safe & equitable multimodal transportation system
  • Healthy, walkable community
  • Thriving local businesses
  • Sustainable and resilient corridor
  • A vibrant gateway to Duluth

Prior to its reconstruction in 2026, this Plan will define a community-supported vision for a walkable, bikeable and transit oriented thoroughfare which will create an attractive destination that:

• Is safe and comfortable for people of all ages and all abilities

• Encourages new types of residential and commercial development

The public involvement process will include numerous and various opportunities to give input. It will build off the feedback and recommendations from previous planning initiatives.

Key tasks and timelines for this planning project:

May 2021: Review Previous Studies
The plan is building on the foundation laid by the previous plans

June/July 2021: Visioning
Developing a vision with the community

July/August 2021: Concepts
Develop concepts to illustrate how the vision could potentially be implemented

Sept/Oct 2021: Draft Plan
Develop draft plan highlighting vision, goals, and recommendations

December 2021: Final Plan
Approval by Metropolitan Interstate Council Policy Board in Jan. 2022

2022-2024: Engineering
MnDOT continues community engagement and develops reconstruction plans

2026: Construction
Reconstruct Central Entrance

Questions?

Connect with Us

If you have questions or feedback about the project, you’re encouraged to reach out to the project contact at any time. The MIC team welcomes comments, ideas, or requests for more information throughout the planning process.
Ron Chicka headshot

Ron Chicka, AICP

Director

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