I-535 to open Tuesday; watch for merging traffic on I-35 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is opening the I-35 and I-535 connections through the Twin Ports Interchange project in Duluth on Tuesday morning.

The Twin Ports Interchange project began in 2020 with reconstruction of the 27th Avenue West bridge over I-35. The following year, the newly combined culvert for Miller Creek and Coffee Creek was installed under I-35. I-535 was closed in 2021 for reconstruction, and the reopening date was postponed one year due to findings of historical significance in the project area. A one-lane bypass has been temporarily constructed at the I-535/Garfield Avenue interchange to facilitate the reopening of the I-535 connection between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Motorists should slow down and use caution at the bypass.

Because I-535 connections are opening Tuesday, motorists should be aware of merging traffic on I-35. Traffic from Wisconsin will be merging on both northbound and southbound I-35 beginning as early as 5 a.m.

The Hwy 53 bridges will be complete to 21st Avenue West this fall to access Lincoln Park. It is anticipated the Hwy 53 connections to I-35 and I-535 will be completed in fall of 2025.

For more information on the Twin Ports Interchange project, visit mndot.gov/d1/projects/twin-ports-interchange.

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