I-35W Express Lanes Complete Guide: Routes, Rates & Access 2025
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I-35W Express Lanes Complete Guide
Route: I-35W from County Road 42 (Burnsville) to County Road C (Roseville)
Length: 27 miles total through Minneapolis metro area
System: High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes with concurrent flow design
Technology: E-ZPass Minnesota transponders, dynamic pricing, BRT integration
Opened: 2009-2021 (built in phases over 12 years)
Do I Need E-ZPass for I-35W Express Lanes? 2025 Update
E-ZPass is only required for solo drivers using express lanes during peak hours. I-35W express lanes are free for vehicles with 2+ occupants, buses, and motorcycles at all times, and free for everyone during off-peak hours.
Key Reality: I-35W features Minnesota's longest express lane system with direction-specific peak hour operation. Northbound lanes are tolled during morning rush (6-10 AM), while southbound lanes are tolled during evening rush (3-7 PM), with some overlap in Minneapolis.
2025 Construction Alert: Major construction between Cliff Road and I-35 split eliminates express lanes April-November 2025. The northbound shoulder lane (42nd Street to 26th Street) continues operating, but southern express lanes are closed in construction zone.
I-35W Express Lane System Overview
I-35W operates the Twin Cities' most extensive express lane network, featuring three distinct sections with different characteristics and operating schedules.
Three-Section System
| Section | Location | Type | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Section | CR 42 to 26th Street | Concurrent flow (diamond lanes) | Partial closure: Cliff Rd construction |
| Minneapolis Section | 26th Street to Highway 62 | Dynamic shoulder lane | Operational (northbound only) |
| North Section | CR C to Lexington Ave | Concurrent flow (diamond lanes) | Fully operational (2021) |
Operating Hours by Section
South Section (CR 42 to Highway 62):
- Northbound: 6-10 AM weekdays
- Southbound: 3-7 PM weekdays
- Some segments: 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM both directions
- 2025 Construction: Limited service Cliff Road area
Minneapolis Section (26th Street to Highway 62):
- Northbound shoulder lane: 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays
- Always tolled when open (no free off-peak hours)
- Southbound: Extended from 46th Street to 26th Street in 2021
- Integrated with Orange Line BRT system
North Section (CR C to Lexington Ave):
- Northbound: 3-7 PM weekdays
- Southbound: 6-10 AM weekdays
- Weekend and off-peak: Free for all traffic
- Newest section: Opened 2021
Current Toll Rates & Pricing
I-35W express lanes use dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions, with rates varying by section and time of day.
2025 Toll Rates by Section
| Section | Rate Range | Peak Direction | Free Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| South (CR 42-26th St) | $0.25-$8.00 | NB: 6-10 AM, SB: 3-7 PM | All off-peak hours |
| Minneapolis (26th-Hwy 62) | $0.25-$8.00 | NB: 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM | HOV 2+, buses, motorcycles |
| North (CR C-Lexington) | $0.25-$8.00 | NB: 3-7 PM, SB: 6-10 AM | All off-peak hours |
| Construction Areas | FREE | No tolling during construction | All vehicles |
Unique Features by Section
Dynamic Shoulder Lane (Minneapolis):
- Northbound shoulder converts to express lane during peak hours
- Always tolled when open (no free off-peak access)
- Integrated with Orange Line BRT stations
- Performance guarantee: 50+ mph speeds maintained
Concurrent Flow Operations:
- Inside/left lanes separated by double white lines
- Direction-specific peak hour operation
- Free for all traffic during off-peak hours
- Electronic signs display current toll and lane status
2025 Construction Impact
Major construction on I-35W in 2025 significantly impacts express lane operations, particularly in the Burnsville area where bridge replacement and resurfacing work eliminates express lanes in the construction zone.
Burnsville Construction Project
Project Scope:
- Bridge replacement and resurfacing between Cliff Road and I-35 split
- Two-year construction project (2025-2026)
- Bridge repairs at Cliff Road, Highway 13, and Burnsville Parkway
- Complete pavement replacement on I-35W mainline
Express Lane Impact:
- April-November 2025: No express lanes between Cliff Road and I-35 split
- Northbound express lane begins north of Cliff Road (Minnesota River Bridge)
- Southbound express lane ends near 98th Street (before construction zone)
- Express lanes in construction area become regular lanes (free for all)
Traffic Mitigation Strategies
Remaining Express Lane Capacity:
- Minneapolis section (26th Street to Highway 62): Fully operational
- North section (CR C to Lexington Avenue): Fully operational
- South section north of Cliff Road: Partial service
- Construction zone: Regular lanes operate as free-for-all
Alternative Routes:
- I-35E express lanes for eastern metro travel
- Highway 13 parallel route (expect delays)
- Cedar Avenue (Highway 77) alternative
- Orange Line BRT for transit alternative
Orange Line BRT Integration
I-35W express lanes feature unique integration with Metro Transit's Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, providing seamless connections between express lanes and public transit.
BRT System Features
Station Integration:
- I-35W & Lake Street Station: Two-story transit hub between express lanes
- Direct access to Orange Line BRT and express bus routes
- ADA accessible with elevators and modern amenities
- Connections to local bus routes and Midtown Greenway
Express Lane Access:
- Orange Line buses use express lanes for faster travel
- BRT stations located within express lane corridor
- Dedicated bus-only ramps and access points
- Integrated fare payment systems
Multimodal Benefits
Travel Options:
- Express lanes for faster automobile travel
- BRT for transit-oriented commuting
- Park-and-ride facilities at key stations
- Bicycle and pedestrian connections
To calculate toll costs and compare with BRT alternatives, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Access Points & Entry/Exit Rules
I-35W express lanes have multiple access points throughout the 27-mile corridor, with entry/exit rules varying by section and lane type.
South Section Access Points
Major Access Locations:
- County Road 42 (Burnsville): Northbound express lane begins
- Burnsville Parkway: Major interchange (2025 construction impact)
- Highway 13: Cross-connection (2025 construction impact)
- Cliff Road: Northern terminus of construction zone
2025 Construction Access:
- Limited express lane access in construction zone
- Northbound: Begins north of Cliff Road near Minnesota River Bridge
- Southbound: Ends near 98th Street before construction zone
- Regular lanes available for all traffic during construction
Minneapolis Section Access
Key Locations:
- 46th Street: Southbound express lane access
- 42nd Street: Crosstown Commons area
- 38th Street: Northbound shoulder lane begins
- Lake Street: I-35W & Lake Street Station (Orange Line BRT)
- 26th Street: Express lane transitions
Special Rules:
- Northbound shoulder lane: Always tolled when open
- No free off-peak access in shoulder lane section
- BRT buses have dedicated access points
- Lane access depends on traffic conditions and peak hours
North Section Access Points
Access Locations:
- County Road C (Roseville): Southern terminus of north section
- Larpenteur Avenue: Major cross-street access
- County Road E: Intermediate access point
- Lexington Avenue (Blaine): Northern terminus
Operating Characteristics:
- Newest section: Opened 2021
- Concurrent flow design with inside/left lanes
- Free during off-peak hours for all traffic
- Direction-specific peak hour tolling
Development History
I-35W express lanes represent the largest and most complex managed lane project in Minnesota, built over 12 years in multiple phases following the success of I-394 express lanes.
Construction Timeline
Phase 1 (2009-2011): South Section
- First I-35W express lanes opened south of downtown Minneapolis
- Mix of new construction and HOV lane conversion
- Included Crosstown Commons intersection improvements
- Integration with existing I-394 express lanes
Phase 2 (2010-2021): Minneapolis Section
- Dynamic shoulder lane implementation
- 2021 Extension: Southbound from 46th Street to 26th Street
- Orange Line BRT integration and station construction
- Advanced traffic management systems
Phase 3 (2021): North Section
- Express lanes between County Road C and Lexington Avenue
- Completed the I-35W express lane corridor
- Final connection to northern suburbs
- 27-mile continuous system achievement
Engineering Innovations
Dynamic Shoulder Lane:
- Innovative use of shoulder for express lane capacity
- Advanced traffic monitoring and control systems
- Integration with existing bridge infrastructure
- Emergency vehicle access protocols
Crosstown Commons Redesign:
- Complex interchange connecting I-35W and Highway 62
- Eliminated dangerous weaving patterns
- Separate through lanes for each highway
- Improved safety and traffic flow
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Minneapolis shoulder lane always tolled?
The northbound shoulder lane operates as a dynamic managed lane that requires constant monitoring and traffic management. The always-tolled operation ensures capacity is available when needed and helps fund the advanced systems required for safe shoulder lane operation.
Can I use I-35W express lanes during 2025 construction?
Express lanes are available north of Cliff Road and in the Minneapolis/north sections. Between Cliff Road and the I-35 split, express lanes are closed but the construction area operates as regular lanes free for all traffic.
How do I access the Orange Line BRT from express lanes?
The I-35W & Lake Street Station provides direct access between express lanes and Orange Line BRT. The two-story station allows transfers between express buses using the express lanes and Orange Line BRT services.
Are the express lanes in both directions tolled simultaneously?
No, most I-35W express lanes use direction-specific tolling. Northbound is typically tolled during morning rush (6-10 AM) and southbound during evening rush (3-7 PM), with some overlap in Minneapolis during both periods.
What's the difference between the three I-35W sections?
The south and north sections are concurrent flow diamond lanes that are free during off-peak hours. The Minneapolis section includes a dynamic shoulder lane that's always tolled when open. Each section has different peak hour schedules and operating characteristics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Section-Specific Errors:
- Expecting shoulder lane to be free during off-peak hours
- Confusing peak hour directions between sections
- Not understanding construction zone limitations
- Using wrong access points for different sections
Construction Period Mistakes:
- Expecting express lanes in Cliff Road construction zone
- Not planning extra travel time during construction
- Relying on outdated navigation system information
- Missing alternative route opportunities
Lane Access Violations:
- Crossing double white lines at unauthorized locations
- Using express lanes without proper E-ZPass during peak hours
- Not switching E-ZPass to HOV mode when carpooling
- Attempting to use closed express lane sections
Route Planning Errors:
- Not considering Orange Line BRT as alternative
- Ignoring peak hour timing for optimal usage
- Failing to account for construction impacts
- Not understanding dynamic pricing variations
Travel Tips & Best Practices
Optimal Usage Strategy:
- Use south/north sections during off-peak hours (free for all)
- Plan carpooling to use all sections free during peak hours
- Monitor construction updates for current express lane availability
- Consider Orange Line BRT for consistent travel times
Cost Management:
- Time travel to avoid peak hour tolls when possible
- Use full corridor for maximum time savings per dollar
- Consider monthly usage patterns for budget planning
- Evaluate BRT annual passes for frequent commuters
2025 Construction Strategies:
- Allow extra 20-30 minutes during peak hours in construction area
- Use I-35E express lanes for eastern metro destinations
- Consider Highway 13 parallel route for local trips
- Explore Orange Line BRT for downtown commutes
Related Infrastructure & Connections
Twin Cities Express Lane Network:
- I-394 Express Lanes - West metro connection, Minnesota's first express lanes
- I-35E Express Lanes - East metro connection, St. Paul area
- Minneapolis Express Lanes - Complete metro system overview
- E-ZPass Minnesota - Unified payment system for all express lanes
Public Transit Integration:
- Orange Line BRT - Bus rapid transit using express lanes
- Metro Transit Express Bus - Multiple routes using express lanes
- I-35W & Lake Street Station - Multimodal transit hub
- Metro Transit - Complete public transportation system
Alternative Routes:
- Highway 13 - Parallel route through southern metro
- Cedar Avenue (Highway 77) - Eastern alternative route
- Highway 62 (Crosstown) - East-west connector
- I-94 Minneapolis - Northern route alternative
Regional Toll Systems:
- Minnesota Toll Roads - Complete state toll system
- Pay Toll Minnesota - Payment methods and procedures
- MnPASS Express Lanes - Historical system information
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- MnDOT I-35W Construction: dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35wburnsville
- E-ZPass Minnesota: dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn - Account management
- 511 Minnesota: 511mn.org - Real-time traffic and construction updates
- Customer Service: 1-866-397-4334 - E-ZPass account support
Transit Planning:
- Metro Transit: metrotransit.org - Public transportation options
- Orange Line BRT: Schedule and route information
- Park & Ride: Available locations and connections
- Trip Planner: Multimodal journey planning
Construction Updates:
- Burnsville Project: Weekly construction updates and impacts
- Email Alerts: Sign up for project notifications
- Social Media: @MnDOT for real-time updates
- Construction Hotline: Project-specific information
Emergency Information:
- Minnesota State Patrol: 911 - Emergency situations
- MnDOT Maintenance: 511 - Road condition reports
- Towing Services: Check insurance coverage
- Traffic Incidents: Real-time alerts and detours
