MNDOT Plans I-35 Bridge Replacements South Of Duluth In Hinckley

A series of four separate but geographically-connected I-35 bridge projects will impact traffic south of Duluth near Hinckley for a three year stretch, starting next summer.  The Minnesota Department of Transportation is working to get the details out ahead of time to minimize unplanned disruptions.

The work will occur on I-35, from a mile south of Minnesota Highway 48 to 2.2 miles north of Highway 48 where the interstate passes through Hinckley.

Here are the specific plans for the four bridge replacements - along with the repair work planned for a fifth bridge, and a concrete overlay project:

• Grindstone River Bridge:  MNDOT will replace both the northbound and southbound sides of this bridge that's located 0.3 miles north of the junction of Minnesota Highway 48.
• BNSF Railroad Bridge: Work crews will replace both the northbound and southbound sides of this bridge that's located 1.2 miles north of the junction of Minnesota Highway 48.
• Minnesota Highway 48 Bridge - over I-35:  MNDOT work crews will perform repairs to this bridge.
• Concrete overlay:  An unbonded concrete overlay will be applied on I-35 from 1.0 mile south of Minnesota Highway 48 to 2.2 miles north of Minnesota Highway 42.

Total cost for the work will run about $25.6 million.  MNDOT will start the project with the 2023 summer road construction season and expects to have it done by the fall of 2025.

The road work will accomplish a few things for drivers. According to details of the road construction project shared by MNDOT, their goals include:

• Replace aging infrastructure
• Improved, safer bridges that meet current design and construction standards
• Improve ride
• Extend the useful life of the highway.

In advance of the work, MNDOT will hold a series of public meetings regarding the Hinckley I-35 road work. Three of those meetings will happen in November 2022:

• November 14:  5:00 PM - public meeting at the Hinckley-Finlayson High School:  201 Main Street E, Hinckley.
• November 16:  5:30 PM - virtual meeting. Click here to join the meeting or call 855-282-6330.  Use Meeting Code 2499 224 4575 to join.
• November 17: 5:00 PM - business meeting in the Hinckley Community Center:  102 Dunn Avenue North.  This presentation will be geared toward the impacted business community.

MNDOT suggests that drivers should expect medium level traffic impacts.  Traffic flow will be in a single-lane, head-to-head configuration within the project area, with the potential for detours - if needed.