Southbound I-35W to be closed this weekend

by Elizabeth Baier, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Drivers planning to travel along Interstate 35W in parts of Richfield and Bloomington this weekend should expect detours and increased congestion.

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, all southbound lanes of I-35W, from Hwy 62 to 106th Street, will be closed. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m., Monday.

The closure is needed for bridge repair and pavement work along the thoroughfare.

The entrance ramp from 106th Street to southbound I-35W will remain open.

Crews will also be working at night on milling and paving operations on southbound I-35W. Officials say the work may cause some nighttime noises in those areas.

The work is part of the ongoing reconstruction of I-35W from Burnsville to downtown Minneapolis.

The project is funded by the Urban Partnership Agreement, which will is expected to improve traffic flow by reducing congestion on I-35W and Cedar Ave., as well as in downtown Minneapolis.

The UPA is funded by $133.3 million in federal funds and $50.2 million in matching state funds, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

On Saturday, a smaller project may also increase congestion for motorists south of downtown Minneapolis.

Crews will be inspecting various bridges spanning both directions of I-35W between 8th Street and 38th Street. The work will be a rolling basis and will not result in long stretches of lane closures.

Short-term ramp closures also will be necessary from approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.