New Ramp + Lane Closures Coming On Southbound I-35 In Duluth

It may be a holiday week with Thanksgiving gatherings set to take place on Thursday, but that doesn't mean road construction projects can come to a stop quite yet.

This is especially true with it comes to The Twin Ports Interchange Project in Duluth, a year-round project that continues to make noticeable progress.

This week, a busy section of I-35 near the project will have new short-term closures in place ahead of the upcoming holiday.

The Minnesota Department Of Transportation Announces New Ramp Lane Closures

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced this week it will close the on-ramp from Mesaba Avenue to southbound I-35. Also, southbound I-35 between Mesaba Avenue and 18th Avenue West will be reduced to one lane from Tuesday, November, 26, at 9 p.m. to Wednesday, November 27, at 6 a.m.

A detour for motorists needing to access southbound I-35 from Mesaba Avenue will follow West Superior Street, to 27th Avenue West, and onto southbound I-35.

MnDOT also notes that southbound I-35 will be reduced to one lane between Mesaba Avenue and 18th Avenue West during the day on November 26, between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. These closures are needed for crews to change southbound I-35 overhead signage.

While it's unfortunate to have ramp closures during a holiday week, it's good that it's a short-term situation and things should return to normal before Thanksgiving.

Motorists driving in construction zones should use extra caution, follow all signage, and watch for crews working in the area.

The $435 million Twin Ports Interchange Project looks to improve safety by:

• Providing a new conventional design
• Relocating all exits and entrances to the right side of the roadway
• Improving merging sight distance and eliminating merge conflicts
• Eliminating weaving problems near the interchange
• Providing lane continuity for through I-35 traffic

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Construction is expected to be completed around the summer of 2026 when landscaping and clean-up are expected to begin.