UPDATE: Work on section of Twin Ports Interchange will remain stopped after possible indigenous remains uncovered

FRIDAY UPDATE: Work on a certain section of the Twin Ports Interchange project will remain stopped after the discovery of possible indigenous remains at the Duluth construction site.

Minnesota Department of Transportation leaders confirmed that update Friday afternoon, about a day after news of the remains were made first made public.

According to Duluth Police, the discovery was made on February 14 in the Lincoln Park neighborhood near North 22nd Avenue and West First Street.

Officers responded, and an archaeologist was already on site when they arrived.

According to police, the remains were determined to be a partial jaw bone.

The medical examiner’s office was consulted, and the Fond du Lac Band ultimately collected the bone.

MnDOT leaders declined an interview Friday, but said they followed a specific protocol.

“MnDOT had a project-specific plan in place should a discovery like this occur and following that plan, we have closely coordinated with the Office of the State Archeologist and tribal partners through the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council,” Stephanie Christensen, a spokesperson for MnDOT, wrote.

Christensen added the agency is following all state and federal laws, including the Minnesota Private Cemeteries Act (MS 307.08), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

At this time, work will remain stopped in the area near the discovery and MnDOT’s contractor has moved its operations to other areas of the Twin Ports Interchange project.

Northern News Now has asked MnDOT to clarify which section of the project work will be stopped on and how long that could last. At this point, they say there is no known impact on the overall project’s timeline.

We are also trying to learn more about how old the remains are. A state archaeologist has not responded to our inquiry as of Friday afternoon.

However, Duluth Police told us their involvement was “very limited” and they are not investigating.

Many agencies, including the Fond du Lac Band, referred us to the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council for a comment. We have not hear back as of Friday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

DULUTH, MN. (Northern News Now) - Possible indigenous remains have been uncovered during the construction of Duluth’s “Can of Worms.”

According to Duluth Police, the discovery was made on February 14th in the Lincoln Park neighborhood near North 22nd Avenue and West First Street.

Officers responded, and an archaeologist was already on site when they arrived.

According to police, the remains were determined to be a partial jaw bone.

The medical examiner’s office was consulted, and The Fond du Lac Band ultimately collected the bone.

Authorities still have yet to provide information as to what comes next and what this means for construction.

This is an ongoing story, check back for more details.

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