Drivers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area should prepare for significant travel disruptions this weekend, as major sections of Interstate 94 in St. Paul will be fully closed. Additionally, long-term ramp closures will begin on Interstate 494 in Bloomington, impacting commutes for several weeks.
The closures are scheduled to begin Friday evening and are part of separate, ongoing infrastructure projects. Commuters are advised to plan alternative routes and allow for considerable extra travel time through the affected corridors.
Key Takeaways
- A full weekend closure of I-94 in both directions is scheduled for St. Paul, starting at 10 p.m. Friday.
- The I-94 shutdown is necessary for an ongoing project to repair nine bridges in the area.
- In Bloomington, two key ramps connected to I-494 and I-35W will close Sunday night for long-term work lasting until late 2024.
- Official detours will redirect traffic onto Highway 36, I-35E, and Highway 280.
I-94 Shutting Down Through St. Paul
The most significant disruption will affect a busy stretch of I-94. Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, crews will close the freeway in both directions through St. Paul. These closures are expected to remain in effect until 5 a.m. on Monday, ensuring the road is clear for the morning commute.
The project managers have timed the work for the weekend to minimize the impact on weekday rush hour traffic, though weekend travel for events, shopping, and other activities will be heavily affected.
Specific Closure Locations
To avoid confusion, drivers should note the precise segments that will be inaccessible:
- Westbound I-94: The freeway will be closed between Interstate 35E and Dale Street.
- Eastbound I-94: This direction will be closed between Highway 280 and University Avenue East.
Part of a Larger Bridge Repair Initiative
This weekend's work is not an isolated event but a critical component of a comprehensive project to repair and maintain nine bridges along the I-94 corridor in St. Paul. Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of these vital transportation structures.
Official Detour Routes for I-94
To guide drivers around the closure, transportation officials have established official detour routes. Motorists are strongly encouraged to follow these designated paths to avoid creating congestion on smaller, local roads not designed for heavy freeway traffic.
The detours utilize other major highways to create a loop around the closed section of I-94.
Westbound Detour
Drivers traveling westbound on I-94 will be directed as follows:
- Exit onto northbound I-35E.
- Proceed to westbound Highway 36.
- Take southbound Highway 280 to reconnect with I-94.
Eastbound Detour
Motorists heading eastbound on I-94 will need to follow this route:
- Exit onto northbound Highway 280.
- Proceed to eastbound Highway 36.
- Take southbound I-35E to rejoin I-94.
Signage will be posted extensively along the routes to direct traffic. However, drivers should anticipate slower speeds and increased volume on these highways throughout the weekend.
Long-Term Ramp Closures Begin in Bloomington
In addition to the weekend shutdown in St. Paul, drivers in the south metro will face new long-term closures starting Sunday night. At 10 p.m., crews will close two important ramps connecting to I-494 in Bloomington, with the closures lasting for several weeks.
These closures are separate from the St. Paul bridge work and will have a lasting impact on daily commutes in the area.
The ramp from northbound I-35W to eastbound I-494 is a major connection for commuters traveling from the southern suburbs toward the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Duration of Bloomington Closures
Unlike the weekend-only I-94 work, these ramp closures will be in place around the clock for an extended period:
- The northbound I-35W ramp to eastbound I-494 will remain closed until early December.
- The eastbound I-494 ramp to Lyndale Avenue is scheduled to be closed through November.
The extended nature of these closures means drivers who use these routes regularly will need to establish new daily travel patterns for the next one to two months.
Travel Advice for Drivers
With multiple major arteries affected, planning is crucial for anyone traveling through the Twin Cities this weekend and beyond. The primary advice from transportation officials is to avoid the area if possible. If travel is necessary, drivers should allow significant extra time to navigate the detours and expected congestion.
Using GPS navigation apps with real-time traffic data can help identify the least congested routes. It may also be a good weekend to consider using public transportation, such as the METRO Green Line, which runs parallel to much of the affected I-94 corridor in St. Paul.
For those impacted by the long-term Bloomington ramp closures, studying alternative routes in advance will be key to minimizing daily travel stress. Exploring different local roads or adjusting commute times could help mitigate delays over the coming weeks.
