Heavy Delays on I-394 Westbound as Major Construction Season Launches

Major Commuter Alert: I-394 Reduced to Two Lanes

Minneapolis commuters heading west this morning are facing a difficult start to the work week. As of late Sunday night, February 22, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has officially launched a massive $67 million bridge and pavement repair project on Interstate 394. The stretch between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley is now reduced to only two lanes in each direction.

MnDOT officials warned that roughly 60,000 westbound vehicles are being funneled into these two lanes, which now utilize former E-ZPass lanes for general traffic. Motorists should expect significant travel time increases and consider alternate routes like Highway 55 or I-94 to reach the western suburbs. Additionally, several key entrance ramps from downtown—specifically the ramps from 3rd Avenue North/Washington Avenue and 10th Street—are now closed and will remain so through mid-July 2026.

I-494 Reopens Following Weekend Bridge Demolition

In the south metro, Interstate 494 has successfully reopened in both directions between I-35W and Highway 77 as of 5:00 a.m. this morning. The full weekend closure was necessary for crews to begin the demolition of the Nicollet Avenue bridge and a pedestrian bridge at 12th Avenue. While the freeway is now flowing, local commuters should be aware of the following ongoing impacts in the Bloomington and Richfield area:

• Nicollet Avenue Closure: Nicollet Avenue is now closed to all traffic over I-494. This closure is expected to last through September 2026 as a new bridge is constructed.
• Permanent Ramp Changes: The ramps from Nicollet Avenue to both eastbound and westbound I-494 have been permanently closed to improve long-term safety and traffic flow.
• 12th Avenue Impacts: The 12th Avenue bridge remains closed to motorists; travelers should use Portland Avenue or Lyndale Avenue as alternatives.

Local Road Closures: Penn Avenue Bridge

West Minneapolis and Golden Valley residents should note that the Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 closed yesterday and is scheduled to remain offline until November. This closure will significantly affect local neighborhood access. Detours are posted directing traffic to utilize Highway 100 or local collectors to cross the I-394 corridor.

Metro Transit Service Updates

Public transport riders are encouraged to check the NexTrip app before heading to their stops this morning. Metro Transit has reported the following alerts for Monday, February 23:

• METRO Blue Line: Ongoing mechanical issues have left elevators at the Lake Street/Midtown and Franklin Avenue stations unavailable. Riders requiring accessible boarding should use the north tower elevator at Lake Street or the ramp on the north side of the Franklin Avenue station.
• METRO E Line: Specific northbound and southbound trips have been canceled today due to staffing adjustments; commuters on the E Line should expect minor frequency gaps.
• Route 827: For those in the northwest metro, the recently launched Route 827 continues its regular weekday schedule, providing express service between Anoka and downtown Minneapolis every 30 minutes during peak hours.

With sub-freezing temperatures persisting this morning, all commuters are urged to slow down in work zones and allow extra space for maintenance crews and fellow drivers.