Southbound I-35W to be closed this weekend
Drivers planning to travel along Interstate 35W in parts of Richfield and Bloomington this weekend should expect detours and increased congestion.
Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, all southbound lanes of I-35W, from Hwy 62 to 106th Street, will be closed. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m., Monday.
The closure is needed for bridge repair and pavement work along the thoroughfare.
The entrance ramp from 106th Street to southbound I-35W will remain open.
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Crews will also be working at night on milling and paving operations on southbound I-35W. Officials say the work may cause some nighttime noises in those areas.
The work is part of the ongoing reconstruction of I-35W from Burnsville to downtown Minneapolis.
The project is funded by the Urban Partnership Agreement, which will is expected to improve traffic flow by reducing congestion on I-35W and Cedar Ave., as well as in downtown Minneapolis.
The UPA is funded by $133.3 million in federal funds and $50.2 million in matching state funds, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
On Saturday, a smaller project may also increase congestion for motorists south of downtown Minneapolis.
Crews will be inspecting various bridges spanning both directions of I-35W between 8th Street and 38th Street. The work will be a rolling basis and will not result in long stretches of lane closures.
Short-term ramp closures also will be necessary from approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.