Duluth Lakewalk closure begins for coastal improvement project

The City of Duluth has initiated a major phase of the Lakewalk and Coastal Improvements Project, resulting in the closure of a significant section of the popular pedestrian and biking path. Starting August 18, the portion of the Lakewalk between Leif Erikson Park and Water Street is closed to the public.

The project aims to repair damage caused by previous storms involving strong winds and large waves on the Lake Superior shoreline. Beyond repairs, the initiative seeks to increase long-term resiliency against future weather events by moving parts of the trail away from the shoreline, implementing coastal restoration, and adding new amenities and signage.

The current closure is expected to last through October 2026. Construction is scheduled to resume in the spring of 2027, with the project reaching substantial completion by the end of that year. A designated detour has been established for pedestrians to bypass the construction zone, utilizing routes such as South 23rd Avenue East, South 21st Avenue East, and London Road.