Possible Road Headaches This Weekend With Warmer Temps

We've had pretty good luck since the road construction began on I-35 near Faribault. Sure there are times the traffic is backed up, but for the most part it's been ok. This weekend we have warmer temps than normal which could lead to more traffic on the interstate on this non-holiday weekend, as MnDOT prepares to wrap up their road work projects before they hang it up for the winter.

According to the MnDOT page single lane traffic in each direction on the northbound lanes of I-35 during construction to allow crews to prepare and pave the southbound lanes. Expect traffic backups during morning and afternoon commuting times and on weekends, because of high traffic volumes on this highway. Advance warning signs will alert drivers to traffic backups as they approach the construction zone.

The southbound I-35 exit ramp to Highway 21 in Faribault is still closed. Crews will be repaving the exit ramp, extend the deceleration lane off southbound I-35 to Highway 21 and replace the approach panels for the bridge. The northbound I-35 exit ramp to Highway 21 will remain open during construction. The project is expected to wrap up in October.

South of us near Owatonna motorists on Interstate 35 south of Owatonna will still be traveling in single lanes in each direction in the southbound lanes during the project.

Traffic delays are expected on Friday afternoons and evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Hwy 14 westbound motorists who want to travel north on I-35 will need to detour through the interchange loops at I-35 by taking the southbound I-35 ramp to the eastbound Hwy 14 ramp to the northbound I-35 ramp.

Motorists who use Steele County Road 18 to cross I-35 are reminded that the road is closed at the bridge. It is one of the bridges being replaced. They may detour around the crossing by using Hwy 14.