Schedule For Work On I-35 In Hinckley Has Now Changed

Earlier this year, it was announced that work would ramp up on I-35 in Hinckley for the Hinckley Bridge Replacement Project, which would cause slowed travel and delays, especially during peak travel times.

Throughout the summer, Minnesota motorists in the area experienced this first-hand as traffic was switched to single-lane, head-to-head travel, and motorists could find themselves in stopped, bumper-to-bumper traffic in that area at times.

This project had been scheduled to take two years, but the Minnesota Department of Transportation now says the timing of when things will be done has changed, which will impact motorists in the future.

The Hinckley Bridge Replacement Project

According to MnDOT, the Hinckley Bridge Replacement Project is a $25.6 million project that is impacting travel on I-35 from 1.0 miles south of MN 48 to 2.2 miles north of MN 48. MnDOT has divided the project into 3 phases.

Ultimately, the following bridges will be replaced:

• Northbound and southbound I-35 bridges over the Grindstone River, located 0.3 miles north of the junction of MN 48
• Northbound and southbound I-35 bridges over the BNSF railroad located 1.2 miles north of the junction of MN 48.

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Also, the bridge over I-35 at MN 48 will be repaired and there will be an unbonded concrete overlay placed on I-35 from 1.0 miles south of MN 48 to 2.2 miles north of MN 48.

You can click the button below for full explanations and maps of each stage of this project.

MnDOT Announces A Change In Plans

While this project was previously scheduled to take place over two years, more work will now occur in 2025 than originally planned. On August 29, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it is deferring all southbound bridge, paving and ramp work on I-35 near Hinckley until 2025.

In 2025, all southbound construction including the rail bridge, southbound Grindstone River bridge, and southbound Highway 48 on and off ramps will be completed.

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On the positive side, MnDOT says that all northbound work on I-35 will be completed by the end of October. Motorists can expect single-lane head-to-head traffic until that time.

Motorists are advised to be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment, and slow or stopped traffic. Please drive with caution and patience.

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