Prepare For New Long-Term Lane Closures In Duluth Tunnels

The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently announced an I-35 bridge rehabilitation project in Duluth that would impact motorists for an extended time.

According to MnDOT, the $13 million project would initially run from July 2024 through September 2024, and then resume again in the the summer of 2025.

The impact area is on I-35 from Mesaba Avenue to 21st Avenue East in Duluth, where workers look to improve load-carrying capacity and extend the service life of the I-35 bridge between Mesaba Avenue and 5th Avenue West.

Now that July has arrived the project will get underway immediately after the 4th Of July weekend, and motorists traveling through the impact area need to prepare.

I-35 Work Through Duluth Tunnels Starts On Monday, July 8

Beginning Monday, July 8, motorists can expect lane closures from 5th Avenue West to 13th Avenue East.

Also, the southbound I-35 off-ramp to Lake Avenue bridge and the northbound I-35 on-ramp from Lake Avenue bridge will close on July 8 for about one month.

Then, in August, ramp closures will be required at Lake Avenue/Michigan Street on southbound I-35. There will also be lane closures from 13th Avenue East to 21st Avenue East.

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The Minnesota Department of Transportations notes that the work in 2025 will reduce I-35 to one lane in each direction, while also requiring closures at the 5th Avenue West ramp.

This project, and the related closures, will cause slowed traffic. Motorists in the area should be patient, allow extra time to reach their destination, and consider taking alternate routes if possible.

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Also, motorists are reminded to avoid distracted driving, especially in work zones, follow all related signage, and allow crews space to safely do their job.