I-35 traffic changes begin July 22 at Faribault

FARIBAULT, MN – Starting July 22, motorists on Interstate 35 traveling through Faribault will experience significant traffic changes due to ongoing concrete paving work, as announced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

The construction contractor plans to initiate the following traffic adjustments starting Monday evening, July 22, with completion expected by Tuesday evening, July 23:

– All southbound traffic on I-35 will be redirected into the northbound lanes. Both southbound and northbound vehicles will share a single lane, side by side.

– The on-ramps to I-35 southbound from Highway 21 and Highway 60 will be closed. Detours will direct traffic to use the on-ramp from Rice County Road 48.

– The off-ramp from I-35 southbound to Highway 60 will also be closed. Motorists will need to take the exit at Highway 21 southbound to access Highway 60.

Drivers are advised to stay vigilant for potential traffic delays and congestion, particularly during peak periods such as Fridays through Sundays. Advance warning signs have been installed ahead of the construction zone to alert drivers of reduced speeds and approaching roadwork.

Additionally, the construction at the I-35 northbound off-ramps leading to Highways 21 and 60 is slated for completion by July 23, with reopening of these ramps to traffic. These ramps have been inaccessible since June 14.

This construction effort forms part of a larger 2-year project that commenced in 2023, encompassing the resurfacing of 4.6 miles of I-35 in Rice County, along with enhancements to ramps and bridges. For more details on this project or to receive updates via email or text messages, visit MnDOT’s website.