Changes Coming to Southbound I-35W Exit for Eastbound County Road 42 in Burnsville
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA – The Dakota County Government announced this morning that beginning this Friday, October 24, 2025, southbound traffic on I-35W in Burnsville will experience a key access change for those wishing to connect to eastbound County Road 42 (CR 42). According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project webpage, instead of the existing ramp from southbound I-35W directly onto CR 42, motorists will be directed to a new ramp at Buck Hill Road just south of the interchange.
What Commuters Need to Know
If you’re heading southbound on I-35W and intend to go eastbound on CR 42, you will no longer use the current dedicated ramp. Instead:
Exit at the new ramp onto Buck Hill Road.
Then proceed to CR 42 eastbound from that ramp.
Attention: during the transition period, there may be detour signage, lane shifts, or ramp closures. Motorists should allow extra travel time and stay alert for updated traffic patterns.
Real-time traffic updates and scheduled closures are available at the MnDOT website and 511MN.
Tips for a Smooth Commute
Plan ahead: If you regularly use the I-35W → CR 42 eastbound ramp, add 5–10 minutes to your route in the first few weeks while you adapt.
Follow the signage: New ramp routing will be clearly marked, and signs may be placed further upstream than commuters are used to.
Use alternate eastbound access: If you prefer to avoid the new ramp, consider using CR 42 via other interchanges (for example, via CR 5) until you’re comfortable with the new configuration.
Stay updated: Visit the I-35W Burnsville project webpage for the latest updates: MnDOT Project Page.
Written by: Will Wight
