For those travelling Interstate 94 in Minnesota between the Twin Cities Metro Area and St. Cloud will encounter delays as both directions of the interstate between Highway 24 in Clearwater and County Road 75 in St. Cloud are reduced to a single lane.

Both directions of I-94 have been reduced to a single lane, and will be down to one-lane 24-hours per day, through July 2013. Major delays are expected during peak travel periods.

Traffic forecasts show initial backups could extend five to seven miles, with summertime backups of 20 miles or more possible during peak travel periods. The longest backups are expected on westbound I-94 on Friday afternoons and evenings, and on eastbound I-94 on Friday afternoons and Sundays after 11 a.m.

More details can be found on the project website.

MN DOT is suggesting that travellers should plan routes, allow extra time for travel and check www.511mn.org for real-time traffic information prior to travel.

For detailed project information, including current schedule, travel information and tips on navigating during construction, visit the project’s website:www.mndot.gov/d3/i94/.

The closures are needed as crews resurface the road. When complete, the project will result in a smoother ride, improved drainage and reduced short-term maintenance costs on 7.5 miles of busy interstate.