We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the October 2017 storm surge and the push is on to restore Duluth's Lakewalk Trail before winter arrives in the Northland.

Beginning Monday, October 8, the City of Duluth's contractor will be mobilizing equipment, installing protective fencing around the project zone and temporarily removing the boardwalk below Fitger's Brewery Complex as part of an approved emergency repair totaling about $1.18 million.

The initial restoration will occur in phases and will be focused within the area of the veteran memorials and the staircase leading to the Portland Malt Shoppe.

Previous gale force winds washed ashore gravel, relocated boulders, eroded the shoreline and dislodged the wooden boardwalk.  This project will not only repair damage done, but it is designed to protect the Lakewalk from future weather challenges.  One such addition is a 300-foot concrete buffer to protect the area from the threat of high waves.

Crews will be working in the area weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Due to the various types of equipment needed and the need to access the shoreline, the temporary closure of the Lakewalk near Fitger's will be required.

A signed detour will divert trail users into Lake Place Park and at Leif Erikson Park towards Superior Street to ensure safety of the public. The staircases leading down to the Lakewalk Trail from the Fitger's Complex and the Portland Malt Shoppe will be closed to the public, with the exception of some pre-arranged access for special events at the Fitger's Complex this winter.

One lane of the trail is expected to reopen to the public once initial work is done of this phase, but some barriers will remain until spring 2019.

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