New I-35 Bridge Repair Project To Impact Travel In Minnesota

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation prepped everyone in Minnesota for what would be a busy road construction season, as it had nearly 180 road and bridge projects lined up for the season, plus an additional 51 projects designed to improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.

There were new projects and the continuation of large, long-term projects such as the $435 million Twin Ports Interchange project in Duluth, which began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026.

Big news came this week regarding the Twin Ports Interchange when MnDOT announced it had completed the final bridge deck pour, marking the transition into the final phase of construction.

While that project continues, MnDOT just announced another project is about to begin in Duluth that will impact travel on I-35.

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Bridge Work On I-35 In Duluth Is Scheduled To Begin

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says that on Monday, July 28, it will begin a $1.9 million project involving bridge repair work on I-35 in Duluth. Work will be taking place on northbound I-35 just north of the 40th Avenue West onramp near the ore docks.

The project will start with the construction of crossovers in preparation for the bridge repair work, and lane closures will be in place.

Once crossovers are complete, motorists can expect single lane head-to-head traffic on the southbound lanes of I-35. Work is expected to last through October.

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MnDOT notes that this project will coordinate traffic control with work on the bridges on I-35 in downtown Duluth. Traffic is expected to remain head-to-head through mid-August, with additional lane closures for removal of bypasses through September.

Work Zone Safety Tips

MnDOT reminds all motorists traveling near any work zone to follow these tips:

• Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio, and eating while in work zones.
• Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
• Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org  or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Do the zipper merge.
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

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