Numerous New I-35 Ramp Closures To Impact Travel In Duluth

Recently, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced an I-35 bridge rehabilitation project in Duluth that would impact motorists for an extended time.

The $13 million project began on July 8 with lane closures near the Duluth tunnels, and it's expected to continue through September 2024. The project will then take a break before resuming again in the summer of 2025.

The impact area is on I-35 in Duluth from Mesaba Avenue to 21st Avenue East, where workers look to improve load-carrying capacity and extend the service life of the I-35 bridge between Mesaba Avenue and 5th Avenue West.

The project involves both bridge work and concrete resurfacing and as it moves forward, the impact on travel throughout the area is about to increase.

Additional I-35 Ramp Closures At Lake Avenue in Duluth Begin July 29

This week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it will be changing traffic control on I-35 and at Lake Avenue in Duluth for the concrete resurfacing phase of the project.

Starting on Monday, July 29, the following ramps to and from I-35 will close:

• I-35 northbound off-ramp to Lake Avenue bridge
• I-35 southbound off-ramp to Lake Avenue bridge
• I-35 southbound on-ramp from Lake Avenue bridge
• I-35 northbound on-ramp from Lake Avenue bridge
• I-35 northbound on-ramp from Michigan Street

Additionally, the I-35 southbound exit 256B Lake Avenue/5th Avenue West will be closed entirely for the week of July 29 to allow for concrete work on the 5th Avenue West leg of the exit.

Motorists should keep in mind that lane closures will also continue on I-35 northbound and southbound between 5th Avenue West and 13th Avenue East (north termini of tunnels).

MnDOT notes that these closures have been accelerated and need to be completed concurrently due to additional concrete work needing to be completed as a part of the planned construction project.

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Ramps are expected to reopen by September 7 and will open sooner if possible. Detour signage will be posted and motorists in the area should be patient, allow extra time to reach their destination, and consider taking alternate routes if possible.

Also, motorists are reminded to avoid distracted driving, especially in work zones, follow all related signage, and allow crews space to safely do their job.