MnDOT Getting Back to I-35 Project Near Faribault This Month

We know, we know; two seasons in Minnesota, winter and road construction. As we say farewell to winter, we welcome the orange cones as MnDOT prepares to pick back up on the I-35 project near Faribault in mid-April. The work, that was started last summer, is expected to be wrapped up by the fall.

The work on Interstate 35 will stretch from Rice County Road 48 to Highway 21.

Benefits of the completed project will include a smoother ride, extending the life if the roadway, reduced crashes on ramps, improved acceleration & deceleration, extended life of bridges, and upgraded traffic signals and lighting.

MnDOT

Get our free mobile app

Traffic impacts 2024

Mid-April to May: View map
- I-35 northbound traffic moved into southbound lane. I-35 southbound and northbound traffic will each travel in a single lane, head-to-head, in the I-35 southbound lanes.
- I-35 northbound off ramps to Co. Rd. 48 and Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will take the Hwy 21 off-ramp.
- I-35 northbound on-ramp from Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will be directed to take Hwy 60 to Hwy 21 northbound.
May to July
- I-35 northbound traffic moved into southbound lane. I-35 southbound and northbound traffic will each travel in a single lane, head-to-head, in the I-35 southbound lanes.
- I-35 northbound off-ramps to Hwy 21 and Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will take the off-ramp to Co. Rd. 48.
- I-35 norhtbound on-ramp from Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will be directed to take Hwy 60 to Hwy 21 northbound.
July to October
- I-35 southbound traffic moved into northbound lane. I-35 southbound and northbound traffic will each travel in a single lane, head-to-head, in the I-35 northbound lanes.
- I-35 southbound on-ramps from Hwy 21 and Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will be detoured to use the on-ramp from Hwy 21/Co. R. 48.
- I-35 southbound off-ramp to Hwy 60 closed. Traffic will exit at Hwy 21 southbound to Hwy 60.
October
- I-35 northbound and southbound will be single lanes while crossovers/emergency pull off are removed and high-tension cable barrier is installed.

Yes, there will be headaches here and in other construction zones across the state, it's all in the name of better roads and an improved driving experience.

Stay alert in construction zones, slowing down, and avoiding distractions to help keep our road workers safe.