I-35 North Metro Split   

Traffic impacts

Learn more about this project, including project stages and how to do the zipper merge when travelling through this project area. All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.

Current

Lane closures

Mon, March 30 through September

• Watch for off-peak periodic lane closures on I-35 in both directions between Hwy 8 and the I-35W/I-35E split
• Watch for off-peak periodic lane closures on I-35W/I-35E between I-35 and one mile south of the split

Upcoming

Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be provided as details become available.

About this project

Six miles of I-35 from just south of the I-35 split to a half mile north of Hwy 8 at the Chisago/Washington county line will be resurfaced. Road resurfacing helps to preserve and extend the use of the pavement. The work will also include replacing three bridges.

Summary of work

• Resurface existing pavement
• Replace the Hwy 97 bridge over I-35 with a diverging diamond interchange for better traffic flow and improved safety
• Update crosswalks at Hwy 97 to meet modern accessibility standards
• Replace the flyover ramp from WB Hwy 8 to SB I-35 with a loop ramp
• Replace the WB Hwy 8 bridge over I-35
• Replace the NB I-35W bridge over SB I-35E
• Drainage improvements

2020 Construction

• Install permanent road striping
• Finish curb and gutter
• Install median and sidewalk at Hwy 97 diverging diamond interchange
• Put in guardrail, overhead signage and fencing
• Finish electrical work

2019 - Completed

• Resurfaced I-35 from the I-35W/I-35E split to Hwy 97
• Resurfaced I-35W just south of the split
• Constructed the new Hwy 8 ramp/bridge over I-35
• Resurfaced I-35E just south of the split
• Constructed the south half of new Hwy 97 bridge over I-35 and reconstructing all ramps at the interchange

2018 - Completed

• Resurfaced I-35 from Hwy 97 to Hwy 8
• Constructed the north half of new Hwy 97 bridge over I-35
• Finished embankment work and general site preparation occurred for the new Hwy 8 bridge/ramp
• Began construction of new I-35W bridge over I-35E
• Prepared site, including adding temporary pavement and removing trees and bushes in the construction zone

Do the Zipper Merge

When you encounter a construction zone where a lane will be closed, perform the zipper merge. A zipper merge occurs when motorists use both lanes of traffic until reaching the defined merge area, and then alternate in a "zipper" fashion into the open lane.