Drivers will have to brace for "significantly longer commutes" and more congestion next week when road construction squeezes traffic from three to two lanes for a month on southbound Interstate 35W from 106th Street i n Bloomington to Hwy. 13 in Burnsville.
The 3.2-mile tightening begins Sunday at 8 p.m. so a fourth lane can be added.
"We are asking commuters for some patience and to bear with us the next few weeks," said Nick Thompson MnDOT program manager. "When work is complete in July, motorists will find a greatly improved afternoon rush-hour commute on an additional southbound lane over I-35W at the Minnesota River in Burnsville."
The work is part of the ongoing reconstruction of I-35W from Burnsville to downtown Minneapolis.
To further try drivers' patience, all lanes of eastbound I-94 between I-694 in the north metro area and I-394 in Minneapolis will be closed from 10 p.m. today through 5 a.m. Monday as crews prep and paint bridges over the interstate.
Motorists are advised to use the posted detour route--Hwy 169.
For statewide traffic, construction and travel information, visit www.mndot.gov.
