Weather Delays I-35 Traffic Switch In Forest Lake

FOREST LAKE, MN — Thanks to April's stubborn winter weather, the Interstate 35 traffic switch originally scheduled for April 4 has been delayed. Beginning at 8 a.m. on April 9, motorists traveling along Interstate 35 between Highway 97 and Highway 8 in Columbus and Forest Lake will encounter lane closures and traffic shifts in both directions as crews prepare for resurfacing activities, weather permitting.

For approximately one week, there will be periodic lane closures and traffic shifts in both directions of I-35. There will be no lane closures on southbound I-35 between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and on northbound I-35 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

After these preparation activities, starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 16, the long-term lane closure on northbound I-35 will be in place. Northbound I-35 will be restricted to two lanes for about four months as crews resurface the northbound lanes.

Southbound I-35 will continue to have three lanes available. All ramps in the area will remain open; however, Highway 8 ramp will close in May for approximately two weeks. Traffic will be switched again to allow crews to resurface the southbound lanes in early August, according to a news release.

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.

Major construction for the project is expected to take place in 2018 and 2019.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation