Rawson Avenue Reopens Over Freeway

Rawson Avenue over Interstate 94 reopened over the weekend, about a month after the street closed between 13th and 20th streets.

One lane of traffic is now open in each direction. An additional lane in each direction is expected to reopen in late September, according to the state Department of Transportation. 

All ramps to and from Rawson, however, will remain closed until the interchange project finishes in late fall. Drivers should use the Drexel or College interchanges and follow detour signs, officials said. 

The new bridge was put into place June 15 thanks to a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter, a motorized vehicle that can pivot 360 degrees and lift and carry heavy loads.

That allowed Rawson Avenue to be close for just weeks instead of months, according to the DOT. 

Work on the interchange has been ongoing all year. Crews are reconstructing the interchange into a "tight diamond," meaning ramp connections with the cross street will be brought closer to I-94. Officials say this will allow for better traffic flow between the interchange and 13th and 20th streets.