Update: Gateway Trail Tunnel Reopens in Lake Elmo

Both directions of the Gateway State Trail tunnel beneath Highway 36 in Pine Springs and Lake Elmo are now open. 

The trail was originally scheduled to remain closed through the weekend and re-open by 5 a.m. Monday, May 20. Crews were able to complete drainage work along the trail earlier than expected.

Original Post:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that the Gateway Trail tunnel beneath Highway 36 in Lake Elmo will soon be closed in both directions.

The closure is expected to begin at 10 p.m. Sunday, May 12, as crews continue work on the Highway 36/Hilton Trail project.

The trail is set to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, May 20, according to MnDOT.

• Highway 36 Lane Closures Begin Tuesday in Lake Elmo
• Hilton Trail Renumbered to Head Off Confusion Before Construction Starts in 2013
• Road Work: MnDOT's Highway 36/Hilton Trail Project Underway

“Unfortunately, there's no safe detour or alternate route we can recommend,” reads part of the release from MnDOT. “But we'll let you know the second we know for sure when it’ll re-open.”

From MnDOT's webpage about the project:

This project will improve safety and traffic flow on Hwy 36, Hilton Trail, Highlands Trail and Demontreville Trail while reducing the amount of through traffic cutting through residential areas. It is the result of a corridor study that established a long-term plan for traffic improvements on Hwy 36 east of I-694.

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