MnDOT staff has heard some concerns about the traffic during rush hour since the Fourth Avenue ramp to I-35W south reopened to one lane last summer.

Crews still have some work to do in that area, so the second lane cannot be reopened at this time.  Because this ramp opened almost two years early, not all work on the interstate is complete. All access out of downtown is limited to one lane across the bridge that goes over I-94, which is why we need the ramp traffic to be merged down to a single lane as motorists get on southbound I-35W.

The city of Minneapolis and MnDOT suggest taking alternate routes to I-35W south. Attached are two maps showing the alternate routes.  The alternate route will direct motorists on 10th Street to use Marquette Avenue and Fourth Street to get on southbound I-35W. We will continue to monitor traffic. MnDOT and the city will reassess to determine if other changes should be made in the spring.

The routes are available right now and they will be signed starting Thursday.

You can find more information about the project at the web page: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/35w94/