The 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown project has begun work and will continue to work on this project over the next four years. Downtown workers are encouraged to follow the Minnesota Department of Transportation‘s updates to know when roads and ramps will be closed.
Visit www.mndot.gov/betterroads for more information on the project, including alternative routes available for getting into downtown. Some of those routes include using the official detour that takes I-35W to Third Street, I-394 East into downtown, I-94 West to Fourth and Seventh Streets, I-35W South to Washington Avenue and Hiawatha Avenue to Seventh Street. Getting out of downtown options include taking Fourth Street to I-35W, taking Third Street to to I-94 West or I-394 West, taking Washington Avenue to I-35W, taking Sixth Street to I-94 East, and taking Eighth Street to Hiawatha.
PDF: MnDOT Strategic Engagement Handout: Connecting with the community during construction
PDF: See how the 35W@94 project is improving your I-35W corridor
**Upcoming closures**
- I-35W weekend closure July 9-12: I-35W will be closing in both directions between Hwy 62 and I-94 from 10 p.m. on Fri, July 9 to 5 a.m. Mon, July 12. Crews will be working 24 hours a day during the weekend closure. Drivers will be detoured around the closure using Hwy 62, Hwy 100 and I-394.
- Eastbound I-94 ramp to Northbound I-35W will be closed July 12-16: As reconstruction work progresses on northbound I-35W, crews are ready to pour the curb and gutter on the ramp from eastbound I-94 to northbound I-35W. To do this safely, MnDOT needs to close the ramp beginning Mon, July 12 through Fri, July 16. Motorists should follow the posted detour.
** – All closures are weather permitting and subject to change
The 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown project has five distinct stages and is scheduled to be complete in 2021. The project is comprehensive and features several benefits to mpls downtown and the region as a whole. Here are some of the highlights:
- Up to 11 new bridges will be replaced or renovated
- Pedestrian accommodations will be improved
- The Orange Line BRT will be constructed, including a station at Lake Street & I-35W
- New MnPASS lanes will be constructed on I-35W, both northbound and southbound
- Two new exit ramps will be constructed, improving access to Lake Street
**CLICK HERE to sign up for project updates.**
Remember, downtown Minneapolis is open for business during this time. Remember to plan ahead, account for extra time on the road, and look at alternative options for getting to and from downtown (bus and light rail, carpooling, etc.). For full information on Metro Transit resources during construction, visit https://www.metrotransit.org/35w.
“We thank Minnesota motorists for their patience as we make badly needed improvements to our aging roads and bridges in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area. Better roads connect people to jobs, play, friends and family. MnDOT and its partners are working hard to build a stronger community,” MnDOT commissioner Charlie Zelle said. “We know that travel this summer in and around downtown Minneapolis will be challenging at times, but there’s so much to enjoy in Minneapolis that we encourage everyone to plan their trips ahead as they make their way downtown this summer. Taking Metro Transit or biking are other great alternatives getting downtown.”
This summer, the project will take a significant step forward with Stage 2. Beginning in the summer, both I-35W and I-94 will see lane restrictions. I-35W northbound will be reduced to three lanes, while southbound will be reduced to two lanes. I-94 westbound will have two lanes open, while eastbound will be unaffected. In addition, Highway 65 will close.
“Downtown Minneapolis is open and accessible for everyone to enjoy this summer,” mpls downtown council president & ceo Steve Cramer said. “In the next few weeks, 511mn.org is the best place for motorists to go to find the best route and method to get in and out of downtown from the south metro area. Visit 511mn.org or use the Metro Transit trip planner to get downtown.”
While large-scale construction projects can complicate commuting, MnDOT has several alternative transit solutions to offer. This includes Metro Transit’s LRT Blue Line and bus service, MnPASS and more.
“These repairs to 50-year-old infrastructure are critical to the livability and economic vitality of Minnesota,” MnDOT district engineer Scott McBride said.
This important construction project is sure to impact mpls downtown, so follow the project step-by-step at MnDOT’s helpful project page.
