I-35W closure creates 13-mile detour

A stretch of the south metro is going to look more like a parking lot this weekend, and drivers should plan accordingly. 

Interstate 35W closing

Big picture view:

MnDOT will be shutting down several miles of Interstate 35W (I-35W) starting at 9 p.m. Friday. 

All lanes in both directions will be closed between Interstate 494 (I-494) and the Burnsville split. 

The 13-mile detour will send drivers over Interstate 35E (I-35E) and Highway 77.

Anyone who doesn't plan ahead could find themselves stuck in traffic back-ups or going far out of their way. 

Crews will use the closure to remove two bridges over I-35W, including the overpasses at Burnsville Parkway and Highway 13. 

It's all part of a larger project that includes resurfacing I-35W between Cliff Road and the Burnsville split.

What's next:

The nearly 8-mile stretch of highway is set to reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday.

Several other ramp closures through the construction zone will last through October. 

The Source: This story used information shared by MnDOT. 

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