In Minnesota, drivers on I-35 along the northern fringes of the Twin Cities can expect lane closures and delays from now through early August. Work begins this week on the interstate in the cities of Lino Lakes, Columbus and Forest Lake.
Resurfacing will take place on I-35 from Highway 97 to just north of Highway 8 for the northbound lanes during the first four months, and then it switches to the southbound lanes. To do this, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is shifting traffic and reduce the number of travel lanes.
Beginning at 8 a.m. today, April 4, MnDOT will be restriping and shifting traffic to the west side of the interstate, so periodic lane closures will occur in both directions.
This will go on for approximately one week, weather permitting. To help avoid additional congestion, there will be no lane closures on southbound I-35 between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and on northbound I-35 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The work is part of the I-35 North Metro Split project, which includes:
- Resurfacing the existing pavement from the I-35W/I-35E split to Hwy 8
- Replacing the Hwy 97 bridge with a diverging diamond interchange
- Replacing the northbound I-35W bridge over I-35E and the westbound Hwy 8 bridge over I-35
Long-term lane closure on northbound I-35 begins April 11
Once the construction setup work is done, starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, the long-term lane closure on northbound I-35 will be in place.
Northbound I-35 will be restricted to two lanes until early August. If you’re traveling southbound, you’ll still have three lanes open to traffic.
Since traffic will be switched to the western driving lanes during this first traffic switch, MnDOT is separating the northbound lanes with concrete barriers. If you want to exit on Broadway Avenue or Highway 8 in the Forest Lake area, stay in the right lane as you approach the construction zone
The Highway 8 ramp will close in May for about 10 to 15 days.
MNDOT advises drivers to expect backups and delays during the long-term restrictions this year, especially during the first few weeks as traffic patterns change, and drivers get used to the switch.
To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35northmetrosplit.