Nightly I-494 Closures and Nicollet Avenue Bridge Project Headline Monday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Monday, March 9, 2026

Good morning, Minneapolis commuters. As we begin the second week of March, several significant infrastructure projects and seasonal maintenance efforts are impacting travel across the Twin Cities. Motorists should prepare for new nightly detours on Interstate 494 and navigate the ongoing long-term closure of the Nicollet Avenue Bridge. While major transit service changes are still a few days away, preparation for upcoming route adjustments is advised for bus and rail riders.

Major Artery Alerts: I-494 Nightly Detours

Beginning tonight, Monday, March 9, drivers utilizing the westbound lanes of Interstate 494 will encounter significant disruptions. MnDOT has scheduled nightly closures between Bloomington and Richfield to facilitate the replacement of overhead highway lighting. These closures are expected to remain in effect through March 14. Drivers should plan for the following:

• Westbound I-494 will be closed to all traffic during overnight hours, typically starting at 9:00 PM and reopening by 5:00 AM the following morning.
• Marked detours will direct traffic through local bypasses; however, travelers heading toward the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport should allow for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel time.
• Crews will be working in close proximity to the roadway, so please exercise caution and adhere to posted speed limits in work zones.

Long-Term Closure: Nicollet Avenue Bridge

The Nicollet Avenue Bridge in South Minneapolis, which spans Minnehaha Parkway and the creek, remains closed for a comprehensive 18-month reconstruction project. This closure significantly impacts north-south travel through the area. Residents and commuters are encouraged to utilize Lyndale Avenue or 1st Avenue South as primary north-south alternatives. Construction at this site is also affecting local transit routes, including Route 18, which has implemented temporary stop changes to bypass the bridge zone.

Public Transit: Upcoming Service Changes

Metro Transit has announced that major quarterly service changes are set to begin this coming Saturday, March 14. While schedules remain standard today, riders should be aware of several upcoming adjustments designed to improve frequency and reliability. Key highlights include:

• Route 2: Schedule adjustments are being finalized due to upcoming construction on Franklin Avenue.
• Route 18: Further routing modifications are expected as Nicollet Avenue construction progresses.
• Improvements: Routes 17, 22, 25, 94, 270, and 804 will see frequency improvements starting this weekend to better accommodate peak-hour demand.

Road Conditions and Safety Reminder

Following recent bouts of freezing rain in late February and early March, some side streets and ramps may still harbor patches of ice during the early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest. State patrol reports from over the weekend indicate that slippery conditions contributed to several spin-outs on I-94 and Highway 61. Please maintain a safe following distance and stay alert for black ice on bridge decks and overpasses during your Monday morning drive.