Nearly 2 Weeks Of Lane Closures Expected In Duluth's I-35 Tunnels

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of nearly two weeks' worth of work in the tunnels along Interstate 35 in Duluth that will create traffic impacts on the busy roadway.

Here's what you need to know about the work and how it will impact traffic.

What work is being done in Duluth's I-35 tunnels?

MNDOT says they will be starting concrete grinding work in the I-35 tunnels.

The Federal Highway Administration explains concrete grinding is a restoration technique that is used to correct irregularities in the road surface that include roughness or faulting.

This process provides a smoother riding surface while enhancing the texture to decrease road noise while maintaining traction for vehicles traveling on the road.

When is this work being done?

MNDOT will begin this concrete grinding work on Monday, September 28, with work expected to continue for nearly two weeks.

Officials with MNDOT say they expect work to last through Thursday, October 8.

During this time, there will be a few different traffic impacts, as noted below.

How will this work in Duluth's tunnels impact traffic?

The longest overall impact to traffic will be intermittent single-lane traffic during the course of the project. Individual lanes will be closed to allow the grinding work to be done, while still allowing traffic in the remaining open lanes.

In addition to these lane closures, there will also be a full-day closure of the I-35 northbound on-ramps and I-35 southbound off-ramp at Lake Avenue. This day-long closure will take place sometime mid-next week, though there is not a specific day that's been announced for these closures yet.

What MNDOT wants drivers to know during this project

The most crucial things MNDOT is emphasizing during this project are patience and safety.

MNDOT says you should anticipate delays, especially during peak drive times. Being patient and properly following zipper merge rules are both key elements to keeping traffic moving efficiently and safely.

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As with any road construction zone, MNDOT is asking drivers to obey posted speed limits, avoid driving distracted, give workers room to complete their work, and not to enter blocked areas of a roadway.

What Will The New Blatnik Bridge Replacement Look Like?

The long-standing Blatnik Bridge between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, will be replaced, with work set to begin in February or March of 2027.

The new bridge is expected to open by October 31, 2031, with the completion of the entire project (including miscellaneous work like landscaping) completed by June 30, 2032.

Here's a look at what the new bridge will look like and some of the new features it will offer.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper