Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

I-35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge

Mississippi River Crossing in downtown Minneapolis

I-35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge lit blue

Bridge lighting

The I-35W bridge is lit on special occasions and in recognition of special events, including in honor of Worker's Memorial Day.

Lighting requests

MnDOT receives dozens of requests each year from organizations asking to light the I-35W bridge a specific color for a particular event.

I-35W bridge lit up with orange light

I-35W Bridge is lit orange in recognition of Worker's Memorial Day

How do I apply for a special lighting of the I-35W bridge for an event?

When do I send in the application letter?

How do I know if my application has been approved?

  • MnDOT‘s Metro District Engineer will review your application. You will be then be notified by MnDOT staff within 10 days of your submittal if the application has been approved or denied.
  • Applications that meet MnDOT requirements will be granted depending on the lighting schedule.
  • If another organization already has a lighting scheduled for the day of your requested event, your application will be denied.
  • Approved requests will be granted for a maximum of one night. The lighting will take place 30 minutes before sunset and end 30 minutes after sunrise.
  • Only one approved application will be granted per requester annually.