A three-day closure of part of I-35 will affect Twin Cities drivers this weekend.  Officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation are alerting drivers that they will be closing I-35W off in both directions between Interstate 94 and Highway 62 in order to allow crews to demolish the 24th Street pedestrian bridge; they'll also work on re-striping lanes of I-35W at the same time.  The freeway closure will begin on Friday, June 15 at 10:00 PM.

In advance of the total closure, MNDOT crews are expected to also start the process of closing on and off-ramps to I-35W about one hour ahead of time.  The 24th Street pedestrian bridge that is going to be demolished will be closed to walkers  starting at 10:00 PM on Friday.

While the project is underway, drivers will be alerted to the official detour via posted road signs.  Pedestrians will also be directed to alternate routes in lieu of the 24th Street crossing.

It's a fact that the long-term closure of I-35 is unusual, however MNDOT officials have done their homework.  The scope of the project not only requires the demolition  but also prep work for the eventual reconstruction of the pedestrian crossing and ramps.

This particular work is part of a four-year project for I-35W at I-94.  The entire work is expected to wrap up sometime in the fall of 2021.

 

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