OWATONNA — Motorists will encounter more lane closures on Interstate 35 near Owatonna starting Wednesday.

They will come upon single-lane traffic in each direction with a median separating the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 35 near Owatonna, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Prior to this switch, I-35 had single-lane traffic in each direction without a median separating northbound and southbound motorists.

The closures are necessary as work continues on the three-year reconstruction of U.S. Highway 14 from Waseca to Owatonna, which also includes construction of a new interchange at I-35 and Highway 14.

Motorists will experience a smoother ride surface and a safer highway when the project is complete.

Mathiowetz Construction Co., Sleepy Eye, is the prime contractor for the project. The entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2012.