Delays Loom as I-394 Construction Resumes; Significant Closures on 78th St

Commuter Alert: I-394 Prepares for Massive Lane Shifts; 78th Street Closures Active

Good morning, Minneapolis. It is Thursday, February 19, 2026. While we are still navigating the challenges of the winter season, major infrastructure updates are already beginning to impact morning commutes. As the lead editor for minneapolis.news, I am tracking significant shifts on I-394 and ongoing closures in the I-494 corridor that will define travel patterns for the coming months.

The "Calm Before the Storm" on I-394

If you use I-394 to head west from downtown Minneapolis, enjoy the current lane configuration while it lasts. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has confirmed that the massive bridge and pavement repair project between downtown and Highway 100 is set to resume this Sunday, February 22. However, pre-construction activity and equipment staging may cause minor delays and "rubbernecking" throughout today and Friday.

• Upcoming Bottlenecks: Starting Sunday, westbound I-394 will be reduced from three lanes to two. Traffic will be shifted into the existing E-ZPass lanes to allow for bridge deck work.
• Penn Avenue Bridge: This vital crossing over I-394 is scheduled for closure starting February 22 and will remain out of commission through November 2026. Commuters who rely on this bridge for access to the Bryn Mawr or Harrison neighborhoods should begin testing alternate routes via Theodore Wirth Parkway today.
• Ramp Closures: Be prepared for the closure of the ramps from westbound I-394 to Penn Avenue and Park Place Boulevard/Xenia Avenue starting this weekend.

I-494 and 78th Street Impacts

In the south metro, the multi-year I-494 reconstruction continues to affect local access in Richfield and Bloomington. Specifically, East 78th Street—north of I-494—has been closed between Chicago Avenue and 12th Avenue since February 9. This closure is expected to remain in place through August 2026 to facilitate utility and bridge work.

Motorists traveling near the I-35W/I-494 interchange should also watch for overnight lane shifts as crews continue work on the new flyover ramp and the replacement of bridges at Portland and Nicollet avenues. While heavy paving is weather-dependent, structural work and drainage improvements remain in full swing this month.

Transit Updates: METRO E Line and Gold Line

For those looking to avoid construction-related congestion, the METRO E Line is now fully operational, providing rapid bus transit along Hennepin Avenue and connecting Uptown directly to downtown. Meanwhile, Metro Transit has entered the early construction phases for the Gold Line extension along the I-94 corridor. While most work is currently focused on engineering and station prep, transit riders should check the Metro Transit app for winter service adjustments, as minor schedule delays can occur during periods of low visibility.

Safety Reminder

With sunrise still arriving late in February, please remain vigilant in work zones. Speed limits remain reduced in active construction areas, and fines are significantly higher. Allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for your commute if you are heading west on I-394 or navigating the I-494 corridor today.