OWATONNA – Interstate 35 traffic is fully open again as the bridge replacement project winds down south of Owatonna, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Traffic had been traveling in single lanes in each direction as crews removed crossover lanes and did other work in the median. The northbound Straight River Rest Area is also open.

Lane restrictions remain on Highway 14 south of Owatonna, east of Interstate 35 as crews finish final work related to the bridge replacements. Work there should wrap up by this week.

This bridge replacement project was a two-year effort south of Owatonna. Twelve bridges were replaced over two years on Interstate 35 (eight bridges) and Highway 14 (four bridges). Bridges on southbound Interstate 35 and eastbound Highway 14 were replaced last year. Two bridges on Interstate 35 that were damaged by a vehicle crash last year were added into the project.

For real-time traffic information in Minnesota, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

Motorists should always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

Motorists interested in more information about the project may visit the MnDOT project website at www.dot.state.mn.us/d6/projects/steelecty-bridge/index.html and sign up for email updates on the project. To learn about all of the MnDOT roadwork on the Interstate 35 corridor from Iowa to Duluth, go to www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35corridor2018/.

To stay updated on construction and other MnDOT news in southeast Minnesota, join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/MnDOTsoutheast/.