Heads up, commuters: significant closures on Highway 55 are set to shake up the traffic landscape next week. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced that a section of Highway 55 will be closed in alternating directions beginning October 7, affecting the eastbound lanes initially, and then the westbound lanes shortly after, as reported by the City of Plymouth. The disruption is due to a comprehensive pavement improvement project that seeks to extend the life of the road and enhance travel conditions.
Starting from 2 a.m. on Monday, October 7, drivers who typically traverse eastbound Highway 55 between I-494 and Highway 169, will find their route obstructed until 10 p.m. Wednesday, October 16. MnDOT recommends a detour via southbound I-494 to eastbound I-394 to northbound Highway 169, to sidestep the closures. While the detour is likely to add some time to commutes, it provides a clear alternative pathway during the eastbound closure. Plymouth's local news has a detour map for those interested.
Not to be outdone, westbound Highway 55 is scheduled for its closure from 2 a.m. Thursday, October 17 through 10 p.m. Sunday, October 27. For those affected, a similar detour will be in place, redirecting traffic along southbound Highway 169 to westbound I-394, then northbound on I-494 to navigate around the roadwork.
Even though the major routes are closing, intersections on Highway 55 between Highway 169 and I-494 will remain a candle, keeping their signals on with limited access. Motorists are warned to prepare for significant delays as they navigate these intersections during the closures. Access to Hwy 55 through unsignalized intersections at Larch Lane N., Ives Lane N., Goldenrod Lane N., and Evergreen Lane N. will continue, albeit to the direction of Highway 55 that remains open. According to the same Plymouth announcement, the median at Industrial Boulevard is expected to stay closed during both the eastbound and westbound shutdowns.
Drivers can stay informed by visiting MnDOT's project webpage, where they can also sign up for email updates on the project's progress.
