Construction projects close to wrapping up in north metro

Updated: November 11, 2019 06:12 PM

It's just about time to wrap up the 2019 construction season. You'll notice some big changes to your drive in the north metro this week.

For the last couple of years, drivers have been shifted, diverted, and squeezed into the tight lanes along I-35 in the Forest Lake and Columbus area. The work is part of a two-year resurfacing and bridge replacement project. MnDOT's Ryan Coddington said the work is almost done.

"We're looking at right around Thanksgiving," said Coddington. Basically the end of November."

Earlier this fall, a confusing traffic switch went into place along southbound I-35, forcing drivers to stay to the right for I-35E or to the left for I-35W, which is the opposite of what people are used to.

"The other option was to shut traffic down and then detour them somewhere else," said Coddington. "We chose to keep them on the pavement in a non-ideal configuration."

The good news is traffic has switched back to normal at the split, but there's still more work to be done elsewhere.

Non-stop lane shifts and ongoing ramp closures have been plaguing drivers for months along I-35W between Lino Lakes and Roseville. That's where a project to add a MnPASS lane is underway. Crews have recently made progress southbound. Both directions should return to normal for the winter this week, but the project itself continues for the next two years. Learn more about the project.