Scubadude62-WO
Senior Member
We drove this route on a Saturday, and I'm glad we did. I would not want to do some of it on any weekday.
We met up with I-35N near Manly, IA. The road was smooth and fast all the way to the Minnesota Border. Once across the border, the road surface was not quite as nice, but in no way bad.
That is, until we got close to the Twin Cities. We've noticed throughout our trip that in general, road surfaces tend to get worse as you get closer to the center of a major metropolitan area.
Just south of the Twin Cities, the 35E/35W split is under major construction. Narrow lanes, sudden, sharp lane shifts, and closed offramps made this section something I never want to attempt in a large RV or towing anytime during a regular workday. Saturday was bad enough.
We did see a sign just before the split that there is a 9,000lb weight limit on 35E.
The 35W/494 junction is also under construction. I almost got off too soon, as due to the construction, the overhead signs are a bit confusing. Also, the actual exit from 35W to 494 is currently advised at 30mph, and I advise you be close to that speed before you get to the curve. There's a very short deceleration lane, followed by a very sharp turn to the right. Be aware!
The road surface between the 35W/35E split and the 494 exit is not in very good condition - lots of temporary lanes and shoulder driving. It does look like it will be quite nice once done.
494 west wasn't too bad, and once on I-94 westbound it was smooth sailing for the most part. Nice, smooth pavement with the occasional rough spot.
There were several construction areas of note between MSP and Fargo on I-94.
Around MP203 there is a 2-lane crossover for bridge work, then again at MP 198 for pavement work.
There's a 1-lane crossover starting at MP 107 for about 3 miles and at MP 74 for about a mile.
Starting around MP 52, there is a 15-mile 1-lane crossover for road replacement
Finally, bridge work at the MN/ND border has the speed limit as low at 45 with very narrow lanes.
Except for the in-progress construction areas, this route is quite decent overall.
We met up with I-35N near Manly, IA. The road was smooth and fast all the way to the Minnesota Border. Once across the border, the road surface was not quite as nice, but in no way bad.
That is, until we got close to the Twin Cities. We've noticed throughout our trip that in general, road surfaces tend to get worse as you get closer to the center of a major metropolitan area.
Just south of the Twin Cities, the 35E/35W split is under major construction. Narrow lanes, sudden, sharp lane shifts, and closed offramps made this section something I never want to attempt in a large RV or towing anytime during a regular workday. Saturday was bad enough.
We did see a sign just before the split that there is a 9,000lb weight limit on 35E.
The 35W/494 junction is also under construction. I almost got off too soon, as due to the construction, the overhead signs are a bit confusing. Also, the actual exit from 35W to 494 is currently advised at 30mph, and I advise you be close to that speed before you get to the curve. There's a very short deceleration lane, followed by a very sharp turn to the right. Be aware!
The road surface between the 35W/35E split and the 494 exit is not in very good condition - lots of temporary lanes and shoulder driving. It does look like it will be quite nice once done.
494 west wasn't too bad, and once on I-94 westbound it was smooth sailing for the most part. Nice, smooth pavement with the occasional rough spot.
There were several construction areas of note between MSP and Fargo on I-94.
Around MP203 there is a 2-lane crossover for bridge work, then again at MP 198 for pavement work.
There's a 1-lane crossover starting at MP 107 for about 3 miles and at MP 74 for about a mile.
Starting around MP 52, there is a 15-mile 1-lane crossover for road replacement
Finally, bridge work at the MN/ND border has the speed limit as low at 45 with very narrow lanes.
Except for the in-progress construction areas, this route is quite decent overall.
