4-year Downtown to the Crosstown project wraps

Friday is a big day for drivers in Minneapolis and the south metro.

After four years, the Interstate 35W at Interstate 94 Downtown to the Crosstown project is wrapping up.

With its completion, drivers will see improvements to traffic flow, especially as the ramp from I-35W northbound to I-94 westbound reopens.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reports the completed project includes new concrete to repair a 50-year-old interstate, 11 new bridges, new ramps that increase access to Lake Street businesses, a transit station at 31st and Lake streets that will open later this year, new E-ZPass lanes for improved transit service, and increased access for pedestrians and bicyclists.

To celebrate the project’s completion, MnDOT is hosting a street festival on Sunday.

The festival will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on East Lake Street between Stevens Avenue and Second Avenue South.

According to MnDOT, there will be food, shopping, music, games and a walking tour of the new construction features, including the Midtown Greenway connection.