I-494 Full Weekend Closure and Winter Slush: Friday Commute Update

Major Weekend Closure on I-494 Starting Tonight

Minneapolis commuters should prepare for significant disruptions on the south metro's primary artery. Starting at 10:00 PM tonight, Friday, February 20, 2026, I-494 will be completely closed in both directions between I-35W in Bloomington and Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) in Richfield. This full closure is scheduled to last until 5:00 AM on Monday, February 23. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is directing eastbound traffic to detour via northbound I-35W to eastbound Highway 62, then south on Highway 77 back to I-494. Westbound drivers should follow the reverse route.

Post-Storm Road Conditions and Hazards

While the heavy snowfall from the midweek storm has subsided, road conditions remain a primary concern for the Friday morning and evening commutes. Following a record-setting 7.6 inches of snow at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport yesterday, many surfaces remain slick. Public works crews have been out in force, but MnDOT warns of light slush on I-694 and potential icy patches on bridges across the metro area. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra following distance, particularly on overpasses and ramps where freezing remains likely despite rising daytime temperatures.

Ongoing Arterial Roadworks

Beyond the immediate I-494 closure, several long-term projects continue to impact traffic flow:

• I-35W in Burnsville: Reconstruction continues between Cliff Road and the I-35 split. Cliff Road under I-35W remains closed through the fall, and heavy congestion is expected during peak hours as crews work on drainage and bridge repairs.
• I-394 and I-94: Final preparations are underway for a major shift in traffic patterns scheduled for Sunday. Currently, motorists should watch for intermittent nightly lane closures on I-94 between the Lowry Hill Tunnel and Highway 55 as bridge maintenance continues.
• Local Closures: Nicollet Avenue remains closed between East 78th Street and American Boulevard for storm sewer and bridge infrastructure improvements.

Metro Transit and Public Transport Alerts

Transit riders should plan for delays and accessibility challenges today. Metro Transit reports that both elevators at the Franklin Avenue Blue Line Station and the south tower elevator at the Lake St/Midtown Station are currently unavailable due to mechanical issues. ADA customers are advised to use Franklin Avenue or 38th Street stations and transfer to local bus service to reach Lake Street. Additionally, Route 18 is experiencing ongoing detours off Nicollet Avenue from 24th Street to 29th Street, and Route 27 has active stop closures on 26th Street East and 5th Avenue South.