The Commute: Hwy 77 vs. I-35W

For the past two years that I have lived in Apple Valley I have always questioned myself about taking Hwy 77 or I-35W north to get to work in Bloomington. In that time I have tried taking both ways and have met several people that swear by taking one way and never the other. Below are a few thoughts about both options for commuting north.

First, 35W North:

Well, during rush hour, without paying the ridiculous rates of the MNPass or carpooling, you are pretty much screwed daily. From County Road 42 until past Cliff Road can be the most frustrating driving I have ever encountered. Maybe if I had a driver driving me to work in a Bentley I would be okay. But no, somehow there is always a car (much nicer than mine) sitting on the side of the road with a driver that seems to be somewhat dumbfounded by just happened. Taking 35W, without a doubt, has its positives and negatives. The car pool lane is great for those who can legally use it. For me, that is only one day a week legally. I confess, once in a blue moon I’ll clench my stomach and my wallet while taking the car pool lane in an attempt to save 3-5 minutes of time, but again that’s rare. The two-lane stretch from 42 to Burnsville Parkway is so slow they might as well put a Caribou Coffee on the shoulder; waiting to get onto 494 west from 35W ends up being about one-third of my commute time.

Next, Hwy 77:

Besides the occasional catastrophe, Hwy 77 moves pretty well once you’re out of Apple Valley. The typical slowdowns occur near I-35E, which, most of the time (cross my fingers), does move fairly quickly. Sometimes you will see a back up from Cliff Road, but once you hit Diffley the third lane is simply magical. Entering 494 west from Hwy 77 can also provide you some time to radio surf, but typically it moves reasonably quickly. Of course, I do have one major problem with Hwy 77 drivers: At least to me, it seems that many do not realize that the speed limit is 65 mph. If you are going 60 and chatting on your cell phone while driving, that is completely fine with me—just move out of the left lane! And don’t give me any look when I am right behind you or zip by you in the center lane. Either speed it up or move it over.

I find Hwy 77 works best for me.

Thanks for reading the breakdown of my commute from Apple Valley heading north. 

Which route do you take? Do you have any tips, tricks, or an opposing point of view?

**The breakdown above is only correct June to August.  At any other time in the State of Minnesota, snow may be present, at which point everyone’s commute is screwed.