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Lost U.S. Highway 61 - Minnesota
North - Next Lost Highway - South
Lost U.S. 61: 296th street, Florence Township
Bypassed In: 1953
Also Marked As: 
1935-1953 
1924-1934
A long stretch of the original concrete highway once used by U.S. 61 was left behind just west of Frontenac Station when the highway between Red Wing and Lake City was reconstructed in 1953. The original highway, graded in 1924 and paved in 1925, had been aligned mostly parallel with the railroad tracks. However, the surviving section had been constructed further to the north to avoid a swampy area near the railroad right-of-way. The 1953 project straightened the road by filling in the swamp.
The old highway, now 296th Street, has been used as a local road since being bypassed. The original concrete pavement from 1925 is still in use on some sections, although more and more of it has been removed in recent years and replaced by a gravel surface.
Photos:
Photos were taken in June, 2005.
Looking west on 296th street. The concrete pavement from 1925 is still intact at this point. (this photo is the source image for the banner on the top of each page on deadpioneer.com)
Looking east from the same vantage point with my old Honda for scale. Notice how the concrete in the distance has been replaced by gravel. Chunks of the old road surface are also visible just behind the car.
Another view, looking west (please excuse the crappiness).
Looking east at the western end of 296th Street at the entrance to modern U.S. 61.
Lost U.S. Highway 61 - Minnesota
North - Next Lost Highway - South
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