Hwy 21 ramp closure to northbound I-35 begins Aug. 1 near Faribault
The detour route has motorists travel further south on Highway 21, turn right onto Highway 60 and use the ramp to access northbound I-35.
This ramp closure will last several weeks and is part of the construction project that includes highway resurfacing, bridge repairs and ramp alterations. Construction will take place over two years and it has been broken into four phases .
The following traffic impacts will occur during 2023.
- Motorists may experience traffic significant slowdowns or long backups during key travel periods such as commuting times and weekends because of large traffic volumes on I-35. Currently, motorists are seeing lengthy backups and long delays from late morning to late afternoon, especially on Fridays.
- Traffic reduced to a single lane in each direction.
- Southbound traffic shifted onto northbound side of I-35 while Rice County Road southbound ramp and southbound mainline work is completed from Bagley Avenue to the south end of the project.
- Ramps occasionally closed, two of the three ramps into Faribault may be under construction at the same time.
Construction maps and more project details can be found at the project website .
Safety
Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving).
- Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Avoid making lane changes within work zones.
Stay connected, informed
- Learn more about the Interstate 35 project, and check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects,and sign up for updates.
- Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us
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