35W

I-35W construction - Ride it out with us!

hero image - 35W construction

Know how to navigate your way to, through and from downtown during the ongoing I-35W construction project. All road traffic is affected but we minimize stress by getting you downtown and back on the bus or the Blue Line. Many routes have transit advantages throughout the project, making the move from a car to a bus or train a simple decision.

Riding with Metro Transit has advantages!

Direct southbound access from downtown to I-35W via a transit-only entrance
Trips were added on I-35W buses during morning and evening rush hours
Use of MnPASS (HOV) lanes and bus-only shoulders provide a quick and reliable ride
Multiple Park & Rides within the corridor
Free Wi-Fi on buses and light rail

What do I do as a regular bus rider?

1. Sign-up to receive Rider Alerts by text or email regarding your particular route. Stay in the know early so you can plan accordingly as construction continues.

2. Know your route detour and any changes to where you board.

NEW for Stage 4

Construction along the I-35W corridor entered a new stage in June 2019, when I-35W traffic switched over to the newly paved section between 46th St. and downtown Minneapolis.

The 28th Street bridge over I-35W was completed and reopened in June.
Bridge work for the METRO Orange Line's new I-35W & Lake Street station started in July.

Northbound buses now remain on I-35W into downtown Minneapolis.

On southbound trips, riders have direct access to I-35W via a transit-only entrance in downtown (except Routes 133 & 135). This will improve speed and reliability for commutes after the work day.

Due to the return to I-35W in late 2018, Routes 146, 535, 578 and 597 no longer stop on Blaisdell at Lake Street. As an alternative, riders may board southbound Routes 535, 578 and 597 at I-35W & 46th Street Station.

Try alternate work strategies during the work week

Some alternatives are:

Starting work earlier or later than usual. Earlier and later express bus trips have been added to help move people through the construction zone on transit.
Work from home or remote office at least one day a week.
Use your bike along with a Metro Transit route. All buses and trains have free bike racks.

First-time riders

We anticipate many new customers on bus service or the Blue Line during the I-35W construction project and we are here to help!

Ask your employer about Metropass and enroll if available.
Buy a Go-To Card – just one touch to a reader and you’re ready to ride.
Another way to pay includes our handy mobile app. With the free app, you can plan your trip, see real-time arrival information for buses and trains and buy transit tickets all on the go.
Call 612-373-3333, to have a representative from our Transit Information Center help plan your trip.

As a new rider, get to know some of the specific resources that can help make the 2019 construction season commute less stressful.

Learn more about:

Heading to downtown for work or an event?
Ride it out with us – on the rail or bus!

With many highway ramp closures during the construction project, consider using the METRO Blue Line for a direct trip into downtown for your daily commute or evening and weekend events.

With Park & Ride locations near Fort Snelling and 28th Avenue stations, the I-35W construction project is a great time to use the direct and high-frequency service the Blue Line offers.

Several local buses near the construction zone, including Route 18 and Route 11, also have evening and weekend service to downtown Minneapolis.

Whether on rail or a bus, call 612-373-3333 to have a representative from our Transit Information Center help plan your trip.

Improved and expanded Metro Transit service is coming soon

Upon completion of the I-35W project, transit riders will notice many improvements and additions on the corridor, including a new station at Lake Street for the new METRO Orange Line – Bus Rapid Transit line – connecting downtown to Burnsville.

Find out more here!