I-94 and I-494 Lane Closures Lead Monday Commute; 50th and France Protest Expected This Afternoon

Monday Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Minneapolis and the surrounding metro area are facing a mix of planned construction and localized events this Monday, February 9, 2026. While weather conditions remain clear with temperatures hovering around 27°F, several key arteries are seeing significant disruptions. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time, particularly those heading through St. Paul or the southern I-494 corridor where major infrastructure projects are active.

Major Freeway Construction and Closures

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has several active work zones today that will impact high-traffic routes throughout the Twin Cities. Motorists should be prepared for the following disruptions:

• I-94 Westbound: A specific lane closure is scheduled at Exit 243 (Mounds Boulevard) in St. Paul starting at 10:00 AM today and lasting until approximately 2:00 PM. Additionally, the long-term bridge construction project on I-94 between I-35E and the I-494/I-694 interchange in the Woodbury area continues, with full road closures necessitating the use of the MnDOT-recommended detour.
• I-494 Bloomington: Significant construction is ongoing on westbound I-494. The entrance ramp from County Road 28 (East Bush Lake Road) is currently closed and is not expected to reopen until early Tuesday morning. Further lane and shoulder closures are expected between East Bush Lake Road and West Bush Lake Road as crews continue pavement repairs.
• I-394 Entrance Ramp: While major traffic shifts on the I-394 bridge project are slated to resume later this month, the entrance ramp from Louisiana Avenue to eastbound I-394 remains closed for reconstruction work.

Afternoon Traffic Alert: 50th and France

Local drivers should plan for potential delays in the Edina and South Minneapolis area this afternoon. A protest is scheduled to take place at the intersection of 50th Street and France Avenue starting at 4:30 PM. Given the high volume of retail and commuter traffic in this district, the demonstration is expected to cause significant congestion during the evening rush hour. Commuters are encouraged to utilize 44th Street or 66th Street as alternative east-west routes to avoid the intersection.

Public Transit and Metro Transit Updates

Metro Transit reports that service is running on a standard Monday schedule, but several rider alerts are in effect:

• Route 22 Detour: This route remains detoured off 28th Avenue between 56th Street and 58th Street due to ongoing construction. Temporary stops are located at 58th Street and 31st Avenue South.
• Route 827: For those traveling from the northwest metro, the recently introduced Route 827 is available for peak-hour service between Anoka and downtown Minneapolis, offering an alternative to I-94 highway congestion.
• Route 27: Westbound riders should note the addition of a new bus stop at 26th Street East and 5th Avenue South, which became effective earlier this month.

Safe Driving Reminder

Following a high number of road incidents last week, authorities are urging drivers to maintain safe following distances and reduce speeds in work zones. With bridge deck repairs and utility relocations active across the metro, vigilance is key to a smooth and safe Monday commute.