Bridge work delayed one week

A bridge redecking project in Cloquet was delayed a week because materials for the project have not yet arrived, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) officials.

“It is unfortunate that the delay was necessary, but it allows the exit to be open to traffic for the Minnesota Fishing opener so traffic will flow as normal on a very busy weekend,” said Project Supervisor Jim Sorenson.

Effective May 16 – rather than the original May 9 date – drivers who want to exit Interstate 35 at Highway 33 in Cloquet will have to drive another mile or so north, exit and take southbound I-35 to get there.

While the ramp is closed, a well-marked detour route will take northbound I-35 traffic destined for the Highway 33 to the Highway 45 exit ramp (Exit No. 239) from northbound I-35. From there, traffic will be rerouted directly onto the Highway 45 on-ramp to southbound I-35, where traffic can easily exit from I-35 southbound at the Highway 33 exit ramp.

Businesses along the Highway 33 corridor should not be affected much by the construction, because the detour brings travelers back to the highway.

The project could also cause traffic congestion on I-35 for a time because the intersection is not a more typical “diamond interchange.” Instead the exit ramp crosses over the top of the interstate, which means debris could fall onto the highway below. Therefore, traffic lanes immediately under the work area will be closed while the old bridge deck is being torn up.

Tags: news, updates, transportation, cloquet, travel