$239 Million I-35W Project Is Done: Here's What It Accomplished

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Transportation Friday announced the completion of the massive, four-year, $239 million Interstate 35W construction project in Minneapolis.

The project included crews from Hennepin County, the city of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, and the Metropolitan Council.

"To the residents of Minneapolis, the local businesses, and all Minnesotans who travel on I-35W and I-94, we want to say thank you for patience," said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher in a news release.

"From better pedestrian bridges and improved transit options to new E-ZPass lanes, new ramps and rebuilt bridges, this work will benefit everyone who lives, walks, bikes, uses transit or drives in the area – and with the help of our partners, this project finished on-time and on-budget."

Construction crews completed the following work:

• Rebuilt 2.5 miles of freeway between 43rd Street and I-94;
• Rebuilt and repaired bridges
• Added access from southbound I-35W to Lake Street
• Added a ramp from northbound I-35W to 28th Street
• Rebuilt the ramp from I-35W north to I-94 west
  • Now there is a dedicated lane for drivers who use the Lowry Tunnel
• Built a transit station at 31st and Lake streets for the Orange Line bus service
• A southbound E-ZPass lane was added
• Improved paths and bridges for walkers and bikers
  • The new 24th and 40th street bridges that are wider
  • The "Green Crescent" provides pedestrian and bike access from Midtown Greenway and Lake Street
• New bridges at 26th Street, 38th Street, and Franklin Avenue.

The project began in the August of 2017. Learn more here.