I-35 Ramp Closures at 27th Avenue West in Duluth Begin Monday

The Duluth Interchange Project, aka the Can of Worms, continues to slowly move forward and related work will lead to ramp closures beginning Monday, November 9.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the northbound I-35 exit ramp to 27th Avenue West and the 27th Avenue West ramp to southbound I-35 in Duluth will be closed Monday, November 9, through Friday, November 13.

There will be detour signs in place for motorists, who are all encouraged to be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times.  As with all Northland road projects, travel with caution through work zones as there are workers out on and near the roads who must trust that all drivers are being attentive.

The Twin Ports Interchange Project, which will reconstruct the I-35/I-535/Hwy 53 interchange, looks to improve safety by:

• Providing a new conventional design
• Relocating all exits and entrances to the right side of the roadway
• Improving merging sight distance and eliminating merge conflicts
• Eliminating weaving problems near the interchange
• Providing lane continuity for through I-35 traffic

While the main part of the project, which is located on I-35 between the 21st Avenue West and and 27th Avenue West exits, is expected to be completed in 2024, the rest of the project has been pushed to as late as 2027 and 2028.  However, if funding becomes available it could be completed sooner.

The video below shows what the freeway will look like when completed from a motorist’s view heading north on I-35 through the Twin Ports Interchange area, then heading to southbound I-35 from I-535, or the Blatnik Bridge, through the Twin Ports Interchange area.