Major I-394 Project Prep and Transit Detours: Saturday Minneapolis Commute Update

Weekend Traffic and Project Launches

Minneapolis drivers should prepare for a significant shift in traffic patterns as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) begins the preliminary stages of a massive multi-year construction project on I-394 and I-94. While the most intensive lane closures are set to begin late Sunday evening, commuters will notice increased signage and staging activity today, Saturday, February 21.

The $67 million project focuses on the I-394 corridor between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100, as well as segments of I-94. Motorists should be aware of the following immediate impacts:

• I-394 Lane Reductions: Starting Sunday night, westbound I-394 will be restricted to two lanes. Transit and E-ZPass lanes will be open to all traffic to help mitigate the loss of general-purpose lanes, but significant delays are expected during peak hours.
• Penn Avenue Bridge Closure: The Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 is scheduled for total closure starting tomorrow. If this is part of your local Saturday route, plan to use Theodore Wirth Parkway or Lyndale Avenue as alternatives.
• Bryn Mawr Community Event: MnDOT staff are hosting an informational session today at the Bryn Mawr Active Transportation Committee event to discuss project detours and long-term impacts. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the 34 bridges being repaired in this corridor.

Public Transit and Light Rail Alerts

Metro Transit riders are facing several active detours and accessibility challenges today. Ongoing construction and maintenance have impacted both bus and rail services across the metro area.

• Route 18 Detour: Due to local construction, Route 18 is currently detoured off Nicollet Avenue between 77th Street and American Boulevard. Riders should use temporary stops at 81st Street and 2nd Avenue South.
• Light Rail Accessibility: Mechanical issues have sidelined elevators at several METRO Blue Line stations. The north tower elevator at Lake Street/Midtown Station is currently the only operational lift for platform access. Additionally, both elevators at the Franklin Avenue Station are out of service; passengers requiring mobility assistance should use the ramp on the north side of the station.
• Winter Operations: Following the blizzard conditions earlier this week, Metro Transit continues to operate under winter protocols. While most schedules have returned to normal, some residential bus routes may experience slight delays due to lingering snow and ice in narrower corridors.

Downtown and South Minneapolis Conditions

Commuters heading into the city center should remain alert for potential disruptions stemming from ongoing demonstrations related to federal agency activity in the region. Recent protests have led to intermittent rolling closures on local streets in South Minneapolis and near the downtown federal buildings. Additionally, with the 2026 Winter Olympics currently airing, local entertainment districts are seeing higher-than-average Saturday foot traffic. Drivers are advised to use caution near Hennepin Avenue and the North Loop to accommodate increased pedestrian activity.