News Release

(Roseville, Minn.)--The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) will close the loop from westbound I-494 to southbound I-35W in RICHFIELD and BLOOMINGTON at 10 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2002.

The ramp closure is necessary as crews finalize bridge painting operations at the interchange. Weather permitting, the loop will re-open to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, July 15.

In addition, southbound I-35W will be reduced to two lanes between 66th St. and I-494, and the northbound left lane of I-35W will be closed from 82nd St. to I-494.

Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour signs during the loop closure.

Mn/DOT urges motorists always to drive with caution and reminds them to SLOW DOWN in the work zone and NEVER enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. Please join us in a safety partnership.

For updated traffic information in the Twin Cities metro area, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/tmc/trafficinfo. For updated construction information in the Twin Cities metro area, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/construction.html.

# # #