I-694 resurfacing, commuter jam begins

Traffic was backed up on westbound Interstate 694 Tuesday morning as a $21 million resurfacing project began.

The project runs from Interstate 35W on the east end to Highway 100 on the west end. Traffic will be reduced to a two lanes during the day and a single lane at night.

The construction work includes concrete repair, drainage improvements and bridge deck replacements. The $21 million project is expected to continue through early November.

Planners decided to delay the start of the project by one day after equipment broke down Sunday night, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The project runs from Interstate 35W on the east end to Highway 100 on the west end. The construction work includes concrete repair, drainage improvements and bridge deck replacements.

Ramps and loops in that stretch of highway will also be closed intermittently for up to 10 days at a time.