St. Louis County seeks $8M for Eveleth Progress Parkway traffic safety project

The House Capital Investment Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss significant infrastructure needs in Minnesota, focusing on a bonding request for the Progress Parkway project in Eveleth. This initiative aims to alleviate serious traffic congestion and safety issues near Rock Ridge High School and Laurentian Elementary, which are currently only accessible via US Highway 53.

St. Louis County Public Works Director Jim Faldesi presented the project, highlighting the construction of a new 1.42-mile county state aid highway, a roundabout at Progress Parkway and Wolverine Way, and dedicated trails for pedestrians, bicycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. The project is designed to provide a secondary access route to the schools, which is crucial for emergency response and will help reduce hazardous traffic backups that currently extend for a thousand feet during peak school hours.

The total estimated cost for the Progress Parkway project is $22.6 million, with St. Louis County seeking $8 million in state funding. Local funds are expected to cover at least 50% of the project costs. The initiative has garnered broad public support, following eight public meetings, and is coordinated with ongoing improvements on Trunk Highway 53, which includes additional investments from MnDOT and St. Louis County.

The committee members engaged in discussions regarding the funding commitments and the overall impact of the project on local economic development. The project not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also opens up access to hundreds of acres of land for future development.

As the committee deliberates, the Progress Parkway project stands as a critical step toward enhancing transportation safety and fostering economic growth in the region. Further discussions and decisions regarding the funding request are anticipated in the coming weeks.