Northwest Passage Skywalk repairs will impact traffic on I-35

The City of Duluth will be performing concrete repairs for two of the bridge piers of the Northwest Passage skywalk (MnDOT Bridge No. 69509). These repairs will be along interstate I-35 between Fifth Avenue W and Lake Avenue. During construction, traffic on the interstate will be restricted to a single lane. There will be signed detour routes provided where ramps are closed for construction.

I-35 will be restricted to single lane traffic in the northbound and southbound lanes through the site as the project begins. This expected to last for an estimated two weeks. There will be a road closure for Lake Avenue to I-35 southbound on-ramp. Work on the Northwest Passage Skywalk is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025, and is anticipated to conclude by May 1.

Towards the end of the project, road detours will shift and allow for two lanes of unrestricted traffic. More drivers will be able to pass through the project on I-35 (northbound and southbound).

Although the project’s construction will close the Fifth Avenue W to I-35 northbound on-ramp, and reduce the northbound frontage road ramp to single-lane traffic through the project site.

Drivers on I-35 in the project area should anticipate traffic changes in the project area through the
month of April. The City of Duluth recommends people to plan their trips accordingly with these changes.