Friday Traffic on 35W (Bloomington, Lexington: live, vs., airport)

[Globe199]

Actually, this is a better idea: north on I-35E to Ayd Mill Road, then maybe north on Snelling or Lexington from there.

[northa]

Thanks again!

[Sarah Maske]

Originally Posted by northa

Thank you so much for the detailed info. I'd better avoid 35W. What would be the best route going to Bethel Univ., Roseville from Bloomington (3900 American Blvd. West) on Friday 4:30pm then?

494 E to 5 E to Snelling Avenue (51) and go north to Bethel. I would avoid all highways at 4:30 on Friday. This route should take you 40 mins. Also, you won't need to be in 494/5 for long.

[northa]

This is all very helpful. I didn't know that all the highways are that congested. How early do the highways start to get backed up on Friday afternoon in TC?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Sarah Maske

494 E to 5 E to Snelling Avenue (51) and go north to Bethel. I would avoid all highways at 4:30 on Friday. This route should take you 40 mins. Also, you won't need to be in 494/5 for long.

You could follow American Blvd to the MOA/34th street and take the 494 exit from there. You would miss most of the 494 congestion, then take either Hwy 5 or go up to 35E North to Ayd Mill Rd. I think Hwy 5 might be faster though.

[Globe199]

Snelling Av is HORRENDOUS during rush hour, especially north of Selby. Do NOT go that way (Hwy 5). Plus, right now northbound Snelling is one lane between Larpenteur and Hwy 36. I'd take I-35E to Lexington via Ayd Mill Road.

[northa]

But I thought Hwy 36 will be closed according to the earlier post.

[Thegonagle]

Were it not for the time of day and the resurfacing project, I'd just use the official detour, which somehow seems to have escaped Google's GIS logic.

It's I-35W NB --> I-94 EB --> Hwy 280 NB --> 35W NB.

The detour is close to the same mileage as 35W itself. If it weren't rush hour, I'd recommend it.

Given the time of day, I'd use 100 north to 694 east to the 51 south exit. Yes, there will be some congestion, but unless there's an accident, you should make good time overall.

[northa]

My flight got changed.

I'll be leaving Bloomington around 1:30-2:00 pm on Friday. Now what route do you guys suggest to go Bethel Univ? I really appreciate the local experts' input.

[Thegonagle]

Either 35W, using the official detour, not the 10th Ave
bridge, or 100 to 694.

The 35W route is more interesting because you'll have a nice view of the Minneapolis skyline. If you want to see the new bridge they're building, then do take that google maps route, but understand that the area can back up significantly. (Don't take it if you're in a hurry.)