Portion Of Minnesota’s I-35 To Close For New Bridge Project
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced a temporary closure that will impact a portion of Interstate 35W in the middle of April.
According to MnDOT, starting at 9 p.m. on Monday, April 15, and continuing through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, they will close Interstate 35W in both directions at the I-35W/I-494 interchange in Bloomington/Richfield.
Why Is This Closure Necessary And What Are Alternate Routes?
MnDOT says the overnight closure is necessary to allow crews to pour the concrete deck for a new turbine bridge that will carry traffic from northbound I-35W to westbound I-494.
They add that during this closure, motorists traveling southbound on I-35W can use westbound I-494 to Penn Avenue to eastbound I-494 to southbound I-35W as a detour.
Motorists traveling northbound on I-35W can use eastbound I-494 to northbound Hwy 77 to westbound Hwy 62 as a detour.
What Else Will Be Closed During This Time?
MnDOT says the following lanes and ramps will also be closed between 9 p.m. Monday, April 15 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16:
- Southbound I-35W will be reduced to one lane between 66th Street and I-494 in Richfield
- Northbound I-35W will be reduced to one lane between 90th Street and I-494 in Bloomington
- The ramp from westbound I-494 to southbound I-35W will be closed
- The ramp from southbound I-35W to eastbound I-494 will be closed
- The ramp from 82nd St. to northbound I-35W will be closed
- The ramp from eastbound I-494 to northbound I-35W will be closed
- The ramp from northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 will be closed
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Motorists in the impacted area should keep in mind that all construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule-permitting and subject to change.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, and slow down in work zones where workers are present.
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Gallery Credit: Sarah Jones