Full Weekend Closure of I-35W in Burnsville Area Scheduled May 1–4; Ongoing Construction Impacts Continue Through Fall
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA – Motorists traveling through the south metro should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the Interstate 35W (I-35W) will be fully closed in both directions between Interstate 494 and the I-35/I-35E/I-35W split beginning Friday night.
According to project officials, the closure is scheduled from 9 p.m. Friday, May 1, through 5 a.m. Monday, May 4, as part of an ongoing construction project in coordination with the City of Burnsville and Dakota County.
I-35W Weekend Road Closure.
Weekend Closure Details
During the full closure, all traffic on I-35W will be detoured using:
I-494
Hwy 77
I-35E
I-35
Officials note that all traffic impacts are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Detour for I-35W road closure at 9 PM, Friday, May 1st, through 5 AM Monday, May 4th
Permanent Traffic Change
Drivers should also be aware of a permanent change to access eastbound County Road 42:
Access from southbound I-35W now uses a newly constructed ramp at Buck Hill Road, which also provides access to Buck Hill Road.
Ongoing Construction Impacts
The I-35W corridor through Burnsville will continue to see long-term closures and lane reductions through fall 2026.
Current Road Closures
Cliff Road under I-35W is closed through October
Detours include:
West side: 123rd St. W → Dupont Ave. → 126th St. → County Rd. 5 → Hwy 13 → Nicollet Ave. → Cliff Rd.
East side: Cliff Rd. → Nicollet Ave. → Hwy 13 → Hwy 5 → 126th St. → Dupont Ave. → Cliff Rd.
Cliff Road Closure Detour.
Lane Reductions
Highway 13 is reduced to one lane in each direction over I-35W
Northbound I-35W is reduced to two lanes between the split and Burnsville Parkway
Southbound I-35W reduced to two lanes at Cliff Road
Current Ramp Closures
Several ramps remain closed through the fall, including:
Eastbound Hwy 13 to northbound I-35W —> Detour Route
Southbound I-35W to eastbound Hwy 13 —> Detour Route
Cliff Road to southbound I-35W —> Detour Route
Detours are posted using nearby routes such as Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville Parkway, and County Road 5.
Upcoming Traffic Changes
Additional impacts are scheduled in early May:
Lane Closures
May 7–8: Northbound I-35W reduced to one lane at Cliff Road
Starting May 8 through fall: Southbound I-35W reduced to two lanes between Cliff Road and the split
Ramp Closures
May 8–May 25: Ramp from westbound Hwy 13 to southbound I-35W closed
Early May through fall: Ramp from northbound I-35W to Cliff Road closed
Project Overview
The work is part of a major corridor improvement project to upgrade I-35W between Cliff Road and the Burnsville split.
Planned Improvements Include:
Full pavement replacement (asphalt and concrete)
Bridge repairs and replacements at Cliff Road, Hwy 13, and Burnsville Parkway
Guardrail updates
Drainage improvements
What Drivers Should Know
With multiple closures, detours, and shifting traffic patterns, drivers are encouraged to:
Plan ahead and allow extra travel time
Follow posted detour routes
Stay alert for changing conditions in work zones
Officials emphasize that traffic patterns will continue evolving throughout the construction season, with additional impacts expected as work progresses.
Updates on closures and detours will be provided as more details become available
Written by: Will Wight
