Major Bridge Closure on I-494 Starts This Morning; I-394 Lane Reductions Persist

Morning Traffic Overview

Minneapolis commuters should prepare for significant shifts in traffic patterns today, Thursday, March 5, 2026, as several major infrastructure projects enter critical new phases. While the early morning drive began with relatively clear conditions on the main loops of I-694 and I-94, a major bridge closure in the south metro and ongoing lane restrictions on the west side are expected to increase congestion throughout the day.

Major Roadworks and Closures

The most immediate impact for south metro drivers begins this morning. Starting at 7:00 a.m., the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has officially closed the 12th Avenue bridge over I-494. This bridge, which connects East 78th Street and American Boulevard, will remain closed to all traffic through September 2026. Commuters in Richfield and Bloomington are advised to use Lyndale Avenue or Portland Avenue as primary alternatives to cross the interstate.

On I-394, the Penn Avenue bridge remains closed as part of a long-term reconstruction project. Westbound I-394 continues to be reduced to just two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. Drivers should also note that the exit ramp from westbound I-394 to Penn Avenue and several entrance ramps, including the 12th Street North HOV ramp, remain closed. These restrictions are projected to stay in place through mid-summer.

In the south metro, I-35W continues to experience head-to-head traffic patterns in Burnsville between Highway 13 and Black Dog Road. This configuration is part of ongoing bridge and pavement work and is scheduled to remain in effect until May.

Public Transit and Metro Alerts

Metro Transit riders should be aware of several construction-related detours affecting high-frequency routes today:

• Route 18: Buses are currently detoured off Nicollet Avenue between 77th Street and American Boulevard, as well as between 50th Street and Diamond Lake Road. Northbound riders should use stops at Nicollet & 81st Street or Nicollet & 56th Street.
• Route 27: Westbound buses are detoured from 26th Street to Stevens Avenue and Lake Street due to local utility work.

Commuters are also reminded that quarterly service changes are scheduled to take effect on March 14, which will include new route connections for the northwest metro.

Safety Reminders and Weekend Outlook

The City of Minneapolis continues to monitor speed at five high-risk intersections using its traffic safety camera pilot program. Drivers are encouraged to maintain posted speeds on Third Street North, Fremont Avenue, 18th Avenue Northeast, Chicago Avenue, and Nicollet Avenue to avoid automated citations. Looking ahead, a total closure of I-494 in both directions between I-35W and Highway 77 is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Friday, March 6, at 10:00 p.m., which will heavily impact airport and Mall of America access through the weekend.