Major I-494 Weekend Closure and New I-394 Ramp Restrictions Impact Sunday Commutes

Significant Weekend Closures on I-494

Minneapolis drivers should prepare for major disruptions in the south metro today as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) continues a full weekend closure of Interstate 494. The freeway remains closed in both directions between I-35W and Highway 77 in the Bloomington and Richfield area. This closure, which began Friday night, is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 a.m. Monday, February 23. Crews are currently working to demolish the Nicollet Avenue bridge and a pedestrian bridge at 12th Avenue.

Motorists are advised to utilize the following detour routes to avoid the construction zone:

• Eastbound Detour: Northbound I-35W to eastbound Highway 62, then southbound Highway 77 back to eastbound I-494.
• Westbound Detour: Northbound Highway 77 to westbound Highway 62, then southbound I-35W back to westbound I-494.

New I-394 Ramp Closures Begin This Evening

Beginning at 4:00 p.m. today, Sunday, February 22, several key entrance and exit ramps along westbound I-394 will close for a long-term construction project lasting through July 2026. Commuters who typically use the following access points should plan for alternative routes starting this afternoon:

• The westbound entrance ramps from 3rd Ave North, Washington Ave, and 12th St North (including HOV access).
• The westbound exit and entrance ramps at Penn Avenue (County Road 2).
• The westbound exit ramp to Xenia and Park Place.

Metro Transit Service Alerts and Detours

Public transport riders should be aware of ongoing detours and facility issues affecting travel today. Routes 10, 11, 17, and 18 are currently detoured off Nicollet Mall between 7th Street and 8th Street due to active roadwork. In the south metro, Route 18 is also detoured off Nicollet Avenue between 77th Street and American Boulevard.

Accessibility alerts are in effect for the METRO Blue Line. The south tower elevator at the Lake Street/Midtown Station is currently out of service due to mechanical issues; riders should use the north tower elevator for platform access. Additionally, both elevators at the Franklin Avenue Station remain unavailable, with station access currently restricted to the ramp on the north side of the facility.

Winter Road Conditions and Safety

Following recent snow events and blowing snow advisories earlier this weekend, many arterial roads and side streets in the Twin Cities remain slick. While main highways have been largely cleared, residual ice and slush are expected throughout the day. MnDOT urges drivers to maintain a safe following distance and allow extra travel time, particularly during the transition to the Monday morning rush hour when temperatures may cause refreezing.