Full Closure on I-494 and Major I-394 Delays This Sunday in Minneapolis

Total Weekend Closure on I-494

Drivers in the south metro will face significant disruptions today as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has fully closed I-494 in both directions between I-35W and Highway 77. This closure, which began late Friday night, is scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 a.m. Monday morning. The work is necessary to allow crews to safely remove the 12th Avenue bridge as part of a multi-year reconstruction project impacting the Bloomington and Richfield areas.

Motorists traveling toward the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport or the Mall of America should expect heavy congestion on surrounding arteries. MnDOT recommends using Highway 62, Highway 77, or I-35W as primary detour routes. Local traffic is being diverted to Lyndale or Portland Avenues to cross the I-494 corridor while the bridge work is underway.

I-394 Lane Reductions and Bridge Work

Commuters heading into downtown Minneapolis from the western suburbs should prepare for restricted flow on I-394. Eastbound I-394 is currently reduced to a single lane between Highway 100 and Dunwoody Boulevard due to bridge construction. This specific restriction includes the closure of the two right lanes and is expected to persist through mid-week. Furthermore, the Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 remains completely closed for reconstruction, a project that will continue through much of the 2026 construction season.

Westbound I-394 also remains reduced to two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. Drivers are encouraged to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for travel through this stretch, even on a Sunday, as the reduced capacity often leads to sudden backups near the Dunwoody exit.

Event-Related Congestion and Safety Advisories

Localized delays are expected near the Mall of America today for the third annual Traffic Safety Day. With approximately 85,000 visitors projected to visit the mall, surface streets and the interchange at Highway 77 and Killebrew Drive will likely see high traffic volumes throughout the afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the METRO Blue Line to avoid parking delays.

Additionally, while most major arteries are clear of snow, motorists should watch for icy patches on bridge decks and ramps following recent freezing rain reports in the region. Traffic anchors have noted slower speeds on I-94 and I-35W due to these slick conditions.

Transit and Long-Term Closures

• Highway 280: Remains fully closed in both directions between I-94 and Highway 36 for long-term reconstruction.
• Metro Transit Route 22: Continues to follow a detour off 28th Avenue between 56th and 58th Streets due to utility work.
• Nicollet Avenue: The bridge over I-494 is closed between East 78th Street and American Boulevard, with detours marked via 77th Street.

Public transit users should check the Metro Transit app for real-time updates, as bus routes in the south metro may experience delays while navigating the I-494 detour routes.