Ramp closures in the north metro, traffic delays near Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth

It looks like drivers are getting a little break from the heat and road construction. That’s the word heading into this weekend, but drivers aren’t completely off the hook.

For those planning to travel in the north metro, there will be a couple of ramp closures in place as part of the larger Interstate 35W MnPASS project from Lino Lakes to Roseville.

Interstate 694 eastbound to I-35W southbound and I-35W southbound to I-694 eastbound will shut down at 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. For I-694, drivers can follow the loops. For I-35W, motorists can exit at Highway 10 or County Road D.

For those planning to head to Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, there are detours along I-35 and Highway 61 to accommodate the marathon. For those traveling Friday, a portion of I-35 is down to one lane in Duluth as part of project that requires weekday lane restrictions. Drivers will also encounter some ongoing ramp closures in the area.

Something to watch for on the way back to the Twin Cities after a weekend getaway: There’s a new configuration on the eastbound side of I-94 near County Road 19 in Albertville. Choose the right lane for access to exits, the left lane is the through lane. The work is part of the larger I-94 Clearwater to Maple Grove project.