DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation encourages motorists to plan for heavy traffic and delays due to increased traffic for Grandma’s Marathon and work zones on I-35.
Construction work zones on I-35 in Hinckley and in Duluth require single lane, head-to-head traffic and will be backed up with heavy weekend traffic. Traveling at off peak times is recommended.
On I-35 northbound in Duluth, the 5th Avenue West bridge ramp is closed. Motorists can access the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Canal Park areas by either taking Hwy 194/Mesaba Avenue to the Superior Street and Michigan Street ramp to 5th Avenue West or by continuing on I-35 to the Lake Avenue exit.
On Saturday, June 21, I-35 and Highway 61 will be detoured in Duluth to accommodate the marathon. The detours will start at Mesaba Avenue and travel on city streets before returning to the Highway 61 expressway. Closures for the event are expected to be lifted by 3 p.m.
Plan ahead and consider alternate routes or use navigation apps to avoid delays associated with Grandma’s Marathon weekend.
Work Zone Safety Tips:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
