Interstate 35 motorists will encounter lane closures and possibly traffic backups south of Faribault beginning Monday while crews complete a bridge painting project, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The project is scheduled to begin on Monday to paint the bridge that takes Rice County Road 48 traffic from Faribault to southbound I-35. The bridge is next to northbound I-35 exit 55. Single lane closures in both directions will alternate as the crews paint the bridge. The project is scheduled to be completed Aug. 18, weather permitting.

Because of traffic volumes on I-35, traffic backups are likely, especially on weekends. Motorists can decrease traffic backup dangers and move more efficiently through a merger point by using both lanes of traffic while approaching the merge. To learn more, to go MnDOT’s website on the “zipper merge” www.dot.state.mn.us/zippermerge.

The lane closures are necessary for the safety of motorists as well as the painting crews to safely complete the project and provide their equipment with the space to do the work.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.