Twin Ports Interchange Project: Officials expect mainline I-35 construction to be complete by August

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) shared updates Monday, June 24, on the Twin Ports Interchange project – including a progress report, upcoming closures and expected completion dates.

In their monthly meeting regarding the project, MnDOT Construction Manager Pete Marthaler said that he anticipated a shrinkage of the work zone within a few months – increasing traffic flow and reducing lane closures.

Since last month’s update, concrete work as well as painting has been completed on the mainline area of I-35. The Northbound 35 onramp to 27th Ave West was also completed, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Overnight this week, all Northbound I-35 lanes will be closed, and Southbound will be reduced to a single lane for bridge painting, to avoid damaging passing cars. Further lane closures on I-35 are expected, as needed, to allow crews to put down permanent striping on the new roadways.

MnDOT officials expect the mainline I-35 construction to be finished by August. Primary construction began in October 2020.

Marthaler also provided updates on the Highway 53 Bridge, expecting it to be completed by November of 2025. However, entrance and exit ramps connecting 53 to 21st Avenue are expected to open by the end of this year.

I-535 bypass lanes between Blatnik Bridge and I-35 are also expected to open later this summer. MnDOT officials plan for the Northbound bypass to be finished by July 12, with the southbound bypass expected to open by the middle of August. Officials say bypasses are expected to ease traffic to and from Superior because drivers can avoid Garfield Ave.

MnDOT officials say current detours will not change, but will be reduced once the bypasses are opened.