Overnight I-494 Closures and Local Bridge Detours Impact Tuesday Commute

Tuesday Morning Commute: I-494 Open Following Major Weekend Work

Good morning, Minneapolis. Commuters traveling through Bloomington and Richfield can breathe a sigh of relief this morning as Interstate 494 has fully reopened to traffic. The significant weekend closure between I-35W and Highway 77 concluded early Monday morning after crews successfully removed the 12th Avenue bridge. While the highway is currently clear for the morning rush, several long-term projects and upcoming nightly restrictions will continue to shape your commute today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

I-494 Nightly Closures and Local Detours

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reminds drivers that the relief from closures is only temporary for those traveling in the evening. Starting tonight and continuing through the week, westbound I-494 will be closed nightly between I-35W and Highway 100. These closures are scheduled from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to facilitate ongoing work on the I-494 corridor project. If you are traveling late tonight, use the posted detour taking northbound I-35W to westbound Highway 62 and southbound Highway 100.

Additionally, two major local bridges spanning the interstate remain closed for reconstruction as part of the multi-year safety and congestion improvement plan:

• 12th Avenue Bridge: Following its demolition this past weekend, this bridge is completely closed to vehicle traffic through September 2026. Drivers are encouraged to use Portland Avenue or Lyndale Avenue as alternative routes to cross I-494.
• Nicollet Avenue Bridge: Also closed through the fall, this project impacts local north-south connectivity. Pedestrian and bicycle detours are in place, but motorists should plan for extra time on adjacent surface streets.

Metro Transit: Blue Line Alerts and Upcoming Changes

Public transit users should be aware of ongoing mechanical issues affecting the METRO Blue Line. As of this morning, reports indicate trains are not running between the Franklin Avenue and Fort Snelling stations. Replacement bus service is currently operational to bridge the gap, but riders should expect an additional 15 to 20 minutes for their trip. Furthermore, Metro Transit has reported a mechanical cancellation for a northbound D Line trip departing the Mall of America transit station at 7:09 a.m. today.

Looking ahead, Metro Transit’s quarterly service changes are set to begin this Saturday, March 14. These updates include frequency improvements on major routes like 17, 22, and 25, as well as schedule adjustments for Route 18 and Route 2 to accommodate local construction on Nicollet and Franklin Avenues. Riders are encouraged to check the updated schedules before the weekend transition.

Downtown and Neighborhood Updates

In downtown news, the Stone Arch Bridge remains open following its early completion last year, providing a reliable alternative for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Mississippi River. However, commuters should watch for minor delays on 3rd Avenue South (Highway 65) due to ongoing resurfacing and safety improvements between Washington Avenue and South 1st Avenue. Crews are working to separate bike lanes from traffic and improve pedestrian sight lines. Stay safe out there and give our road crews plenty of room to work during this busy construction season.