I-35 Ramp To Close In Forest Lake

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Beginning at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, the ramp from northbound Interstate 35 to eastbound Highway 8 in Forest Lake will close for approximately 10 days. Transit officials say this closure is needed to allow crews to pave I-35 and a portion of the eastbound Highway 8 ramp.

During the closure, northbound I-35 traffic will be detoured to eastbound Highway 97 to northbound Highway 61 to eastbound Highway 8.

Traffic delays and backups are expected throughout the course of the two-year project. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

The work is part of the I-35 North Metro Split project, which includes resurfacing the existing pavement from the I-35W/I-35E split to Highway 8; replacing the Highway 97 bridge with a diverging diamond interchange; replacing the northbound I-35W bridge over I-35E and the westbound Highway 8 bridge over I-35.

The project will provide a better ride quality, as well as improve safety and traffic flow at the Highway 97 interchange, according to transit officials.

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