I-494 Ramp Closures and South Minneapolis Roadblocks Impact Friday Commute

Morning Overview

Minneapolis commuters are facing a complex Friday morning as a combination of long-term interstate construction, new evening ramp closures, and localized roadblocks in South Minneapolis create potential delays. While the main arterial highways are moving at typical winter speeds, specific disruptions on I-494 and local transit routes require extra travel time today, February 6, 2026.

I-494 Major Construction and Ramp Closures

The I-494 corridor in the Bloomington area remains a significant bottleneck. A major ongoing construction project between Lyndale Avenue and I-35W is in full effect, with heavy equipment active throughout the corridor. Commuters should take note of the following specific closures:

• Upcoming Tonight: Starting at 8:00 PM this evening, the I-494 eastbound exit ramp to southbound I-35W (toward Albert Lea) will be closed for construction work. This closure is scheduled to last until Saturday noon.
• Ongoing Ramp Closures: The I-494 westbound exit to Nicollet Avenue and the eastbound entrance from Nicollet Avenue remain closed. Additionally, the westbound entrance ramp from Portland Avenue (CR 35) is currently closed and is not expected to reopen until February 13.

South Minneapolis Local Traffic Alerts

In South Minneapolis, drivers should exercise caution near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and East 35th Street. Reports from earlier this week indicate the presence of makeshift roadblocks and "filter blockades" erected by protesters. While city crews and police have been active in removing these structures, intermittent disruptions continue to be reported along the Cedar Avenue corridor between East 34th and 35th Streets. It is advised to use alternative north-south routes such as Hiawatha Avenue or I-35W to avoid potential standstills in this area.

Metro Transit Service Updates

Metro Transit has issued several rider alerts that may impact those relying on bus and rail service today:

• Route 113: A detour is in place off Lyndale Avenue between 48th and 50th Streets due to ongoing utility work. Northbound riders should use the stops at Lyndale and 50th Street or 48th and Grand Avenue.
• Route 27: Westbound service is currently detouring between Stevens Avenue and Lake Street, affecting stops on 26th Street East and 5th Avenue South.
• I-35W & Lake St Station: The southeast tower elevators at the Lake Street station remain out of service due to mechanical issues. Commuters requiring elevator access should use the northeast, northwest, or southwest towers.

Weather and Road Conditions

The weather for this Friday remains mostly cloudy with a high near 36°F. While the chance of snow during the day is only 20%, a cold front moving through tonight could lead to some light mixed precipitation. Roads are currently mostly dry, but temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 8°F overnight, which may cause slick spots on bridges and overpasses during the evening return home.