Southbound I-35 Repair Schedule – Update As Of Nov 22

It looks like commuters in the Twin Ports will be taking detours a little longer.  Originally the closure and repair of southbound I-35 in Duluth was scheduled to take less than a week.  A new timetable released by the Minnesota Department of Transportation revises that schedule and it now appears that drivers will face the closure for 3 to 4 weeks.

MnDOT maintenance and bridge engineers have been working long hours on the site assessing repair options.

“More substantial repairs are required than we originally thought,” said Duane Hill, MnDOT district engineer. “The plans we are developing will be safe and efficient for the construction crews to accomplish.”

An emergency contract has been awarded. Work to complete the project and reopen I-35 will be on an accelerated schedule that will include multiple-shifts-per-day, seven-days-per-week. MnDOT engineers continue to monitor traffic and will adjust the detour route as needed to improve traffic flow.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience,” added Hill. “We know this affects many people traveling in the area.”

For up-to-the-minute details about the project, click here.