Construction season to end near Hinckley

Drivers traveling on I-35 in Pine County will not have to deal with road construction, for now at least. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has completed major construction work on I-35 near Hinckley for the 2024 season. According to a release sent Wednesday, MnDOT says traffic has returned to normal two lane operation in each direction.

Officials say there will be no significant traffic impacts until May 2025.

MnDOT’s report says southbound construction in 2025 will include the rail bridge, southbound Grindstone River bridge and southbound Highway 48 on and off ramps. In the spring, lanes will be restricted to single lane, head-to-head traffic again.

The Hinckley Bridge Replacement Project began in 2023 and reportedly will cost $25.6 million.

For maps and general project information, please visit the project website here: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/hinckley-bridge.