Lane shifts take effect tonight on I-35E/I-694 in Little Canada

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: July 7, 2008 - 5:49 PM

One more lane shift is ahead for motorists who navigate Interstate Hwys. 694 and 35E in Little Canada and Vadnais Heights.

Starting at 7 p.m. today, eastbound traffic on I-694 will be shifted to new pavement on the south side of the freeway, and access to northbound I-35E will be closed until the end of August, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

Drivers will be detoured to Hwy. 61, then back west on I-694 to reach northbound I-35E.

The lane closures and detours come as MnDOT looks to wrap up the "Unweave the Weave" project, which is now in its fourth and final year. The following construction work is part of this year's schedule and is expected to be complete by late fall:

• Labore Road bridge and approach roadways.

• Northbound I-35E and eastbound I-694 into the commons and through the commons.

• Ramp from northbound I-35E to eastbound I-694 north of Little Canada Road.

• Eastbound I-694 to Hwy. 61 ramp.

• Westbound I-694 at the west end of the Unweave Commons

• Bridge to carry eastbound I-694 to southbound I-35E at the west end of the commons.