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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!


Additional info


Related resources


Park & Ride map

Map of Park & Rides

1

Apple Valley Transit Station
15450 Cedar Ave. S.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

METRO Red Line, 475, 477

Limited parking availability

map of Apple Valley Transit Station


2

Palomino Hills Park & Ride
12760 Pennock Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

476, 477

Good parking availability

map of Palomino Hills Park & Ride


3

157th Street Station
15865 Pilot Knob Rd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

477, 479

Good parking availability

map of 157th Street Station

4

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
1618 W. Old Shakopee Rd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

597

Good parking availability

map of Saint Lukes Lutheran Church


5

South Bloomington Transit Center
9830 Aldrich Ave. S.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

18, 465, 535, 554, 597

Local bus service connection

539

Limited parking availability

map of South Bloomington


6

 

28th Avenue Station
8151 28th Ave. S.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

477, 479

Good parking availability

map of 28th Avenue Station

7

Burnsville Transit Station
100 E. Hwy. 13

Service to downtown Minneapolis

460, 465

Limited parking availability

map of Burnsville Transit Station


8

Heart of the City Park & Ride
12751 Pillsbury Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

464, 465

Good parking availability

map of Heart of the City Park & Ride

9

Cedar Grove Station
4035 Nicols Rd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

METRO Red Line, 472, 475, 491, 492

Local bus service connections

437, 438, 440, 444, 445

Good parking availability

map of Cedar Grove Station


10

Eagan Transit Station
3470 Pilot Knob Rd.

Local bus service connections

470

Good parking availability

map of Eagan Transit Station


11

Blackhawk Park & Ride
4565 Blackhawk Rd.

Local bus service connections

470, 472

Good parking availability

map of Blackhawk Park & Ride

12

Southdale Transit Center/Park & Ride
York Ave. & W. 66th St.

Local bus service connections

6, 578, SWFlex

Local bus service connections

515, 537, 538

Good parking availability

map of Southdale Transit Center and Park & Ride

13

Kenrick Avenue
16775 Kenrick Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

467

Good parking availability

map of Kenrick Avenue


14

Lakeville Cedar Park & Ride
18040 Cedar Ave. S.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

477

Good parking availability

map of Lakeville Cedar Park & Ride

15

Fort Snelling Station South
6000 Minnehaha Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

METRO Blue Line

Moderate parking availability

map of Fort Snelling Station South


16

Fort Snelling Station North
Minnehaha Ave. & Weigel Blvd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

METRO Blue Line

Moderate parking availability

map of Fort Snelling Station North

17

Knox Avenue Park & Ride
7601 Penn Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

535

Local bus service connections

538, 539, 540, 542

Moderate parking availability

map of Knox Avenue Park & Ride

18

Rosemount Transit Station
14550 Burnley Ave. S.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

476, 478

Moderate parking availability

map of Rosemount Transit Station

19

Savage Park & Ride
14121 Huntington Ave.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

464

Good parking availability

map of Savage Park & Ride

20

Eagle Creek Park & Ride
6600 Eagle Creek Blvd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

491

Good parking availability

map of Eagle Creek Park & Ride


21

Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride
1401 Crossings Blvd.

Service to downtown Minneapolis

491

Good parking availability

map of South Bridge Crossings Park & Ride