Full I-394 Closure and Snow Showers Impact Saturday Travel in Minneapolis

I-394 Full Weekend Closure: Penn Avenue Bridge Removal

The most significant disruption for Minneapolis commuters this weekend is the total closure of Interstate 394 in both directions. Effective since 10 p.m. Friday and continuing until 5 a.m. Monday, March 2, the stretch between Highway 100 in St. Louis Park and downtown Minneapolis is completely shut down. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is utilizing this window to safely demolish and remove the Penn Avenue bridge deck.

• Westbound Detour: Motorists are advised to take I-94 west to I-694 west, then transition south on Highway 169 to bypass the closure.
• Eastbound Detour: Drivers should head north on Highway 100, proceed east on I-694, and then take I-94 south into the downtown area.

In addition to the total freeway closure, the Penn Avenue bridge itself will remain closed to all traffic through November 2026 as part of a broader $67 million infrastructure project. This long-term closure will continue to affect local access between the Harrison and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods and the western suburbs.

Winter Weather Impacts and Slippery Roads

Driving conditions are further complicated today by a weather system moving through the Twin Cities. Light snow showers are expected throughout Saturday, with accumulations of up to three inches possible by the evening. With temperatures dropping to around 17°F, road surfaces are likely to become slick. MnDOT has already reported icy patches on major arteries including I-94 near the Lowry Hill Tunnel and portions of I-35W. Maintenance crews are active, but commuters should reduce speeds and increase following distances, as visibility may be limited during heavier bursts of snow.

Metro Transit Alerts and Service Changes

Public transportation users should plan for detours and potential delays. Metro Transit has implemented the following changes for Saturday, February 28:

• Route 18: Starting at 7:00 a.m. today, Route 18 buses are detoured off Nicollet Mall between 7th Street and 8th Street due to local construction.
• METRO Blue Line: Mechanical issues continue to impact station accessibility. Both elevators at the Franklin Avenue Station and the escalators at the Lake Street/Midtown Station are currently out of service.
• Express and Regional Bus Routes: Routes that typically utilize I-394, such as Route 645 and Plymouth Metrolink, are operating on modified paths. Expect significant delays as these vehicles navigate the standard highway detours alongside general traffic.

Local Traffic Advisory

Surface street traffic near the North Loop and Dunwoody Boulevard is expected to be heavier than usual as drivers seek alternatives to the I-394 closure. If travel is necessary, consider using the METRO Green Line or other rail options to avoid highway congestion and weather-related delays.