Tuesday Commute: I-394 Lane Reductions and Orange Line Detours Impact Minneapolis Traffic

Tuesday Morning Traffic Overview

Minneapolis commuters should prepare for a mix of major highway lane reductions and localized transit detours this Tuesday, February 3, 2026. While weather conditions remain dry with temperatures in the low 20s, infrastructure projects and maintenance work are creating specific pinch points across the metro area, particularly for those traveling from downtown toward the western suburbs.

Major Highway Disruptions: I-394 and I-494

The most significant impact for drivers today is on westbound I-394. As part of a major MnDOT reconstruction phase beginning this month, westbound I-394 is reduced to two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. Motorists are being shifted into the E-ZPass lanes to accommodate work on the Penn Avenue bridge. Additionally, the Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 is now closed to all traffic, necessitating detours via North Wayzata Boulevard and local frontage roads. Commuters should expect heavy congestion during the morning peak and plan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes of travel time.

To the south, the massive multi-year I-494 corridor project continues. Maintenance and bridge repair work near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport may result in intermittent lane closures between Highway 77 and the I-35W interchange. While no full closures are scheduled for this morning, the narrow lanes and construction barriers require reduced speeds through the Bloomington stretch.

Public Transit Alerts: Orange Line Detours

Metro Transit has issued a specific service alert for today. The METRO Orange Line and Route 578 are detoured away from the I-35W & 46th Street Station from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This temporary disruption is necessary for station glass replacement. Passengers should check for temporary boarding locations near the station entrance.

• METRO Blue Line: Ongoing mechanical issues have disabled elevators at the Lake Street/Midtown and Franklin Avenue stations. Riders requiring ADA access are advised to use the north tower elevator at Lake Street or the ramp on the north side of the Franklin Avenue station.
• Route 14: Transit officials are currently seeking public input on major routing changes through downtown; while service is running normally today, commuters may notice outreach staff at major stops along Hennepin Avenue.

Local Roadworks and Winter Parking

Hennepin County crews are active today replacing traffic signal poles at multiple intersections across the city. This work may cause temporary four-way stop conditions or short-term lane closures between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Furthermore, winter parking restrictions remain in effect for the City of Minneapolis. Unless you are parked on a designated Snow Emergency Route, parking is prohibited on the EVEN-numbered side of the street to ensure access for emergency vehicles and maintenance crews. Vehicles found in violation are subject to ticketing and towing.