Motorists in Roseville and Arden Hills are being warned of a full weekend closure on southbound Highway 51, Snelling Avenue and Hamline Avenue as resurfacing work continues in the area.
The route will shut between Interstate 694 in Arden Hills and Highway 36 in Roseville from 9pm on Friday, September 25, until 5am on Monday, September 28, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Cross streets near the work zone will also be closed for short periods, while the ramps and loop connecting southbound Snelling Avenue with eastbound and westbound Highway 36 will face temporary closures during the weekend.
Snelling Avenue closure and signed detour
Drivers are being directed to follow a signed diversion eastbound on I-694, southbound on I-35E and westbound on Highway 36. MnDOT has urged motorists to allow extra time or choose an alternative route to avoid congestion.
The weekend closure follows a series of restrictions already introduced along the corridor. County Road C was closed eastbound between Snelling Avenue and East Snelling Service Drive until Wednesday, September 23, while westbound traffic was reduced to one lane.
Highway 51 was also restricted to one lane in each direction between Highway 36 and Grey Fox Road during the earlier phase of the work. Crews have been relocating underground utilities along the western side of the highway for a new trail, with drivers warned to expect shoulder closures, workers and construction equipment between Lydia Avenue and Snelling Avenue North.
The wider project involves repairing and resurfacing nearly 3.5 miles of Highway 51 between Highway 36 and Grey Fox Road. It also includes drainage and guardrail work, signal improvements, accessibility upgrades and construction of a trail along the west side of Snelling Avenue.
MnDOT said the northbound lanes were resurfaced in late May and that work on the highway is expected to be completed by mid-October. The department said all timings remain subject to weather and construction conditions.
Drivers seeking the latest information are advised to check 511mn.org or call 511, as the project website is not updated overnight or at weekends.
