Minnesota Department Of Transportation Closing I-35 Ramp to Bong Bridge On May 8

We may not be able to count on warm weather as spring and summer arrive across the Northland, but one thing we can count on every year is that there will be an increase in road construction projects not only in the Twin Ports area but all across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Of course, along with such projects comes slowed traffic, detours, and the need for motorists to develop plenty of patience in navigating through it all.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced a full slate of summer road construction projects that will happen this summer and they include two big Northland projects.

In Carlton County, the Atkinson Bridge at I-35 will go through a redecking project and various repairs.

In Duluth, the infamous Twin Ports Interchange Project will continue this year and beyond. To be fair, it is a massive undertaking that involves the reconstruction of the I-35/I-535/Hwy 53 interchange with the goal to improve safety in multiple ways.

Now a new Twin Ports project has been announced that will take place in the vicinity of the Twin Ports Interchange Project, although it's not related.

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On Monday, May 8, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be repairing guardrails and conducting bridge inspections on the Bong Bridge.

What does that mean for motorists? MnDOT says this work will require a closure of the eastbound Highway 2 ramp to the Bong Bridge from northbound I-35. The ramp closure is expected to last from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. A detour will be posted during the closure.

While that is an inconvenience, the good news is that it's only expected to last one day. If postponement due to weather is necessary, work will take place on Tuesday, May 9.