Twin Cities drivers should prepare for months of traffic disruptions as a major roadwork project begins this weekend on Interstate 94 between I-35W and Highway 280, including the heavily traveled Mississippi River crossing.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says five bridges along this stretch of I-94 will undergo significant maintenance and repairs through fall 2025, resulting in long-term lane reductions, ramp closures, and potential traffic delays.
Affected bridges
The bridges slated for repair include:
- The Mississippi River crossing
- Cedar Avenue
- Hiawatha Avenue
- The Metro Transit Blue Line
- The Riverside Avenue overpass
Full weekend closure begins April 11
To establish a new traffic pattern, eastbound I-94 will be fully closed from I-35W to Highway 280 beginning 10 p.m. Friday, April 11, through early Monday, April 14. Traffic will be detoured via Highway 36 during the closure.
When eastbound lanes reopen, both directions of traffic will be reduced to two lanes each using the eastbound side of the freeway. This traffic pattern will remain in place while work begins on the westbound bridges.
Long-term ramp closures
Several ramps along the corridor will also be closed for extended periods:
- Huron Boulevard to I-94 (both directions): Closed from 9 p.m. Friday through June
- South Sixth Street to eastbound I-94: Closed from 9 p.m. Friday through late April
- Westbound I-94 to South Seventh Street: Closed from 3 p.m. Sunday through May 17
- Riverside Avenue ramps to/from westbound I-94: Closed from 3 p.m. Sunday through June
These closures are expected to cause significant congestion on nearby streets. MnDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time, avoid peak travel when possible, and be patient during rush hours.
Trail closures for pedestrians and cyclists
The work will also affect popular multi-use trails beneath I-94:
- West River Parkway Trail: Closed until April 11
- Hiawatha LRT Trail: Closing Monday, April 14, through May 2
Stay informed
MnDOT urges commuters to check 511mn.org for real-time updates, maps, and detour info. Public transit or alternate routes are recommended for minimizing delays.
While inconvenient, MnDOT says the bridge improvements are vital to long-term safety and infrastructure integrity in the metro area.
Original reporting by Andrew Krueger | MPR News