Several I-35 Ramp Closures In Duluth Have Now Been Extended

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been hard at work on the I-35 bridge rehabilitation project in Duluth.

The $13 million project began on July 8 with lane closures near the Duluth tunnels and at that time the project was expected to continue into September 2024. Then, there would be a break before the project resumed in the summer of 2025.

As many Northland motorists know, 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 it has moved forward, but it's taking longer than originally anticipated so MnDOT had to make a disappointing announcement regarding the completion date for this year.

I-35 Ramp Closures At Lake Avenue In Duluth Have Been Extended

This week, MnDOT announced that the I-35 ramp closures that began on Monday, July 29 would not be reopening on September 7 as originally planned.

MnDOT says it's forced to extend the closures of the I-35 ramps because additional concrete work needs to occur before the ramps can be reopened.

The extent of work that was needed turned out to be greater than originally planned and is taking longer than expected. Crews continue to work in the area, and lanes will be reopened as soon as possible.

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MnDOT currently expects ramps to reopen by Friday, October 11. Until then, the following ramps to and from I-35 will remain closed:

• 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

Detour signs are posted. Also, lanes will continue to be closed on I-35 northbound and southbound between 5th Avenue West and 13th Avenue East (north termini of tunnels).

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