Heading south on I-35, is it still one lane between Albert Lea and the cities?

Fairbult area.. Rice and Steele county doing a quick search on MnDot. Didn't see any talk of direction.

I travel I-35 between Des Moines and Twin Cities around 20-30 times a year.
As of a week ago-- the major slowdown was between (going S) the DUNDAS exit #66 I believe from memory) -- and just S of Fairbault (exit # 55 I believe).
If things are the way they were- take exit 66 and head W about 1/4 of mile to Bagley Road. ( round about and head S) Take this about 8-9 miles due S until just S of Fairbault (you will have to go through 3-4 lights in Fairbault) and get back on at at I believe exit # 55.
IF I-35 is backed up on this stretch-- this saves 10-15 minutes easy. This worked also going N 2 weeks ago.
Not sure if it's the same now. Seemed worse on weekdays.

What WW said. 35 is down to one lane in that area.

While traversing Faribault stop in at LaCanne Marine and get yourself an Alumacraft or Vexus. If you do, tell Nick to throw in a new canoe of your choice.

Between Exit 2: Freeborn County Road 5 (7 miles south of Albert Lea) and US 14 (near Owatonna). The roadway is reduced to one lane. Bridge maintenance work is in progress. There is a width limit in effect. Short delays are possible. Width limit 11'0". Until September 29, 2023 at about 5:00PM CDT.

Between Exit 55: Faribault Road and MN 21 (Faribault). The roadway is reduced to one lane. Look out for construction work. Expect delays. Until October 27, 2023 at about 7:00PM CDT.

Get all MN roadwork updates/closures/delays here: MN511 Travel Information MnDOT

Thanks for the info.