As a general rule, the I-35W/MN 36/MN 280 interchange area is a fairly good area. C/D roads and additional lanes between MN 280 and MN 36 help keep traffic moving along the I-35W mainline. However, traffic volumes today are to the point where this area is seeing ever increasing congestion.
I-35W goes from southwest to north. MN 36 starts at I-35W and runs east, while MN 280 runs south near the western edge of the map. Cleveland Ave runs from the I-35W/MN 36 interchange south.
As with most Twin Cities bottlenecks, a lack of through lanes hinders performance along I-35W in this area. Joining them together and improving the 50 MPH curve at the MN 36 interchange are two improvements, along with at least 3 (and preferably 4) lanes each direction help the flow along I-35W. A slight shift of the westbound collector-distributor road helps with the spacing. Separation of I-35W and MN 36 eastbound through the area would help avoid any of the last minute weaves and lane shifts that currently exist in that area. The left-hand exit on southbound I-35W to MN 36/Cleveland Ave is replaced by a right-hand exit. And down on MN 280, an overpass at County Road B does restrict access, but improves traffic flow along 280 by removing the currently-existing stoplight. The proximity of that large industrial plant to the 280 mainline may cause problems regarding future improvements to 280.
It was suggested to me that I should include a flyover ramp for SB I-35W to EB MN 36 traffic. I'll consider this but did not include it at this time due to ROW and construction costs.
Return to Twin Cities Interchange Upgrade Ideas
Return to Froggie's
Rantings
Return to Twin Cites
Highways
Page last modified 24 May, 2008