I-35W Minneapolis Closure Scheduled: What You Need To Know

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Interstate 35W is closing for the second weekend in a row from Downtown to Crosstown in Minneapolis on Oct. 6. Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, both directions of I-35W between I-94 and Highway 62 will close for the demolition of the Franklin Avenue bridge.

“In the Twin Cities metro area, we are dealing with a transportation system that is aging and needs significant preservation work”, said MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle in a statement. “We regret that we will cause some Minnesotans significant inconveniences by closing the roadway this weekend. Our intent is to get the work done as quickly and as safely as we can, and get the road open again.”

Crews will begin closing the on and off ramps for I-35W approximately one hour prior to closing the interstate. Southbound I-35W on and off ramps between 46th Street and 60th Street will remain open during the closure. Motorists will be detoured around the closure using I-94, I-394, Highway 100 and Highway 62. I-35W will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9.

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MnDOT will also close the Portland Avenue bridge spanning I-94 in Minneapolis at 5 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6. Construction crews planned to close the bridge this morning, but had to reschedule due to weather. The closure allows crews to work on the piers below the bridge deck.

The closure will be in place for two months; however, pedestrians and bicyclists will still be able to use the bridge as well as police and ambulances. Motorists will be detoured to 14th Street, Chicago Avenue and Franklin Avenue, according to a news release.

Motorists traveling to and from Minneapolis are encouraged to plan ahead, determine an alternate route and give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination. During last weekend’s closure of I-35W traffic levels were comparable to rush hour traffic during a weekday. Motorists should anticipate similar traffic impacts during the upcoming I-35W closure.

These closures are part of the larger four-year 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown reconstruction project on I-35W between 43rd Street and downtown Minneapolis. The work includes reconstructing pavement, bridges and ramps on I-35W, adding new access ramps to the Lake Street Business District and building a new transit station on the interstate.

Once complete, transit officials say motorists and residents will have better accessibility, safety and mobility in the area. Work is expected to be completed in fall 2021.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation