hwy061908

I-35 lane in Duluth closed for weeks

Amanda Odeski, Duluth News Tribune

An earth-scraping vehicle used for construction fell off the back of a truck on Highway 53 Wednesday morning. The earth-scraper fell onto I-35, impacting the left guard rail and left driving lane.

An earth-scraper on a truck crossing on Hwy. 53 fell onto the freeway, prompting the closure.

Associated Press

Last update: June 19, 2008 - 9:48 AM

DULUTH - The left lane of northbound Interstate Hwy. 35 near downtown Duluth has been closed because of an accident, and officials say the closure could last six to eight weeks.

An earth-scraping vehicle used for construction fell off the back of a truck crossing over the freeway on Hwy. 53 Wednesday morning. The earth-scraper fell onto the freeway, hitting the left guard rail and left lane on I-35. Both the guard rail and the road surface need repairs.

Officials say there is no concern about the overall integrity of the freeway. But motorists are asked to be aware of the long-term lane closure between the ore docks and 21st Avenue West and to seek alternate routes into downtown Duluth from the west if necessary.