Historic U.S. 61: Westgate Boulevard, Duluth
Westgate Boulevard, Duluth
Located In: City of Duluth, St. Louis County.
Bypassed: 1957
Length: 1 mile (0.30 miles drivable, 0.70 miles walkable).
Type: 1st Generation Highway (one section of later construction).
Status: Mostly intact.
U.S. 61: Historic Alignments in Minnesota
North << Next Alignment >> South
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History
Westgate Boulevard was once part of the original paved highway up the Thompson Hill on the west end of Duluth. It was completed in 1924 and originally paved with concrete as part of Constitutional Route 1. Only repaved once with asphalt in 1950, the old highway remained in use until 1957, when a new divided highway was constructed just to the south along what is now the path of I-35 and Cody Street. During the construction a section of the old road was destroyed, and a short temporary connection had to be constructed to allow traffic to continue up the hill (this section is highlighted in orange in the above overview map).
Current Status
Only a small piece at the east of Westgate Boulevard remains open to vehicle traffic, accessible from Cody Street at 64th Avenue. Blocked by boulders at 68th Avenue, it continues west of the barrier for nearly 3/4 of a mile until dead-ending at I-35. The closed section is walkable, and has been maintained by the local residents, who have done their best to keep the road clear, and have even provided a bench as part of a improvised scenic overlook (all of this according to a local resident I spoke with while walking the old road). The layer of asphalt applied in 1950 is crumbling, revealing the original 1924 concrete in many places. The road passes through a conservation area, allowing for views of several rock outcrops,as well as a few rocky streams.
Photo Tour - photos taken in November, 2009.
Looking west on Westgate Boulevard at 65th Ave in Duluth. Note the weathered concrete marker on the right (see next photo).
The dedication plaque for Westgate Boulevard, which was originally constructed as part of Constitutional Route 1. This relic sits nearly forgotten in someone's front yard.
The dead-end just west of 68th Avenue, which now provides a convenient parking lot. Note the boulder blocking the road between the cars.
The old highway ascends a very steep hill just past the boulders. Just ahead at the curve is the beginning of the temporary connection constructed in 1957.
The view of West Duluth and I-35 from the old highway, looking southeast.
Looking east on top of the hill, with the lone park bench provided by the local residents. This section was built in 1957 as a temporary connection (the pavement here is in much better shape than on the rest of the old highway). Also note the old wood and wire traffic barrier.
Looking west again where the road again curves away from I-35 and onto the original alignment.
The crumbling asphalt pavement, revealing the original concrete pavement underneath.
Looking east.
The road eventually dead-ends at I-35 (photo looking west).
One last image, looking east on old Westgate Boulevard, with I-35 on the right.
