I-35 from Albert Lea to the Iowa border will get a facelift over four or five summers beginning this August.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001

I-35 from Albert Lea to the Iowa border will get a facelift over four or five summers beginning this August.

The 13-mile stretch will be completely resurfaced with unbonded concrete, said Brian Jergenson, public affairs representative for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The project begins next month with the construction of nine median crossovers at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Project manager Craig Lenz said the crossovers will give motorists more access to roads and businesses along the interstate during the next phases of construction.

The travel information center just north of the Iowa border will also remain open during all phases of construction, he said.

&uot;Building several crossovers instead of just one at either end is a new way of doing business for us,&uot; Lenz said. &uot;It’s more expensive up front, but it’s more accommodating for local drivers and travelers.&uot;

During the summer of 2002, workers will begin to overlay the northbound lanes. Lenz said it could take as long as two summers depending on weather and the contractor that is awarded the project.

By the summer of 2004, overlay will begin on the southbound lanes. The cost for completing both lanes is almost $20 million, Lenz said.

&uot;It’s a big project, and probably overdue. I know the lanes aren’t in good condition right now,&uot; he said.

Jergenson said crews will also resurface several ramps to and from I-35, so motorists will encounter detours to county roads 46 and 18 throughout the overlay project.