MINNEAPOLIS - Remember that massive road closure from last weekend? ... It's back.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says Interstate 35W, between Highway 62 and I-694 in Minneapolis and Roseville, will close in both directions this weekend.
Yep, that long road closure that clogged many areas last weekend is coming back for round two. I-35W will be closed between Highway 62 and Interstate 694, starting at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.
Motorists will be detoured around the closure using Highway 62, Highway 100 and I-694. Southbound I-35W will be open south of 46th Street. Access to and from 35W will also be open to local roads between County Road C and I-694.
MnDOT says crews will begin closing the on and off ramps for I-35W about one hour before closing the interstate. Officials add the closure is needed for two major projects, the 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown (utility installation on I-35W between Interstate 94 and Highway 62) and The I-35W Resurfacing Minneapolis to Roseville project (work on I-35W between I-94 and Highway 280).
Highway 280 will also be closed this weekend, except between University and Larpenteur Avenues.
The Downtown to Crosstown work will include putting in utility pipes under the highway, according to MnDOT spokesperson Dave Aeikens.
"Weekend closures are best because there are fewer vehicles on the road at that time," Aeikens said. "We don't interrupt people coming and going to work."
Aeikens also explained several event organizers downtown are aware of the closures and can help you navigate if you need assistance. He suggested giving them a call and asking for the best way to get there.