At long last, the 94th Street bridge that passes over I-35W in Bloomington is set to open. MnDOT says it plans to allow traffic on the new structure by 6 p.m. Friday, weather permitting.

The bridge has been closed since July. As part of the $4 million project, MnDOT removed and replaced the bridge deck, replaced guardrails and upgraded pedestrian crossings at ramp intersections to meet modern accessibility standards.

Even with the bridge's opening, motorists traveling on northbound I-35W can expect nightly lane closures between 98th and 90th Streets, MnDOT said.

Meanwhile, the ramp from Hilton Trail to westbound Hwy. 36 in Pine Springs will close Wednesday through Friday. However, the ramp will be open from 6 to 9 a.m. to accommodate rush hour traffic, MnDOT said.

The three-day shut down will allow crews to clean pipes that are below the road. In addition, the left lane of westbound Hwy. 36 will be closed at 9 a.m. Friday between DeMontreville Trail and I-694.