“We’re rebuilding the interchange with County Road J and Interstate 35E,” said John Mazzitello from the Ramsey County Public Works Department.
This $20 million upgrade is being done in collaboration with Anoka County, MnDOT, Lino Lakes, White Bear Township and North Oaks.
“The project starts at the west end with Centerville Road, comes all the way across County Road J to the interchange of Otter Lake Road on the east side of the interstate,” Mazzitello said. “We’re installing new roundabouts. We’re adding two new access ramps to and from I 35 E. You’ll be able to exit southbound 35E to County Road J and you’ll be able to access northbound 35E from County Road J when we’re done.”
For now, drivers need to navigate their way through a busy work zone that is chockful of orange barrels and cones.
The scope of this construction site is huge.
“Very big,” Mazzitello said. “Very complex project…This is one of the largest projects that we’ve done in recent history.”
New bridge
A new bridge is being built over I 35E and there will be multiple roundabouts in the construction area.
“We have substantial completion by November of this year,” Mazzitello said. “We’re looking to open the new bridge in the middle of September and the old bridge would come down shortly after the end of September. The three roundabouts completed and all accesses open by the end of October.”
When finished, getting on County Road J or I 35E will be a simple process.
“We’re gonna have better access to and from the interstate obviously,” Mazzitello said. “We’re also including separated pedestrian trails, sidewalks, bicycle amenities so people other than vehicles have access through the I 35E corridor.”
Those connected to this project are excited about seeing the finished product.
“I’m looking forward to completion and having a ribbon-cutting in November,” Mazzitello said.
For more info go to the Ramsey County project web page and click on County Road J.
