Here is an update from MnDOT to yesterday's original post.

MnDOT says it has run into problems getting materials, so the planned closure of the westbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-35E has been put off until July 28. That also includes the ramp from Broadway Street to northbound I-35E.

Both ramps will close after evening rush hours July 28 and remain closed for approximately four weeks.

"The work is weather permitting, and the start date of the ramp closures may be rescheduled again in the case of poor weather conditions," the agency said in an email today.

Here is the original post:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will shut down the ramp from westbound I-94 to northbound I-35E in downtown St. Paul for a month. The barricades will go up Wednesday after midnight and be in place until late August.

The ramps from Broadway Street to northbound I-35E also will be closed.

Why the long closure? Blame it on this spring's soggy weather.

Crews will be building the new northbound lanes on I-35E near where I-94 and I-35E meet in downtown St. Paul. This spring and summer's incessant and heavy rains put the project behind schedule. A 30-day clousre will allow crews to make up for lost time without being interupted.

While the ramp is closed, motorists on westbound 94 will be detoured to Hwy. 280, then north to I-35W, and north on I-35W, then east on I-694.

MnDOT also has a few other possibilities and detours for drivers on Hwy.s 52 and 61 as shown on the map below:

  • Northbound Hwy 52: Use eastbound I-494 or eastbound I-94 to northbound I-694 to access northbound I-35E
  • Northbound Hwy. 61: Use eastbound I-94 to northbound I-694 to access northbound I-35E
  • Westbound I-94 east of I-694 in places such as Woodbury and Oakdale: Use northbound I-694 to access northbound I-35E.