Drivers in the Twin Cities region face multiple highway closures this weekend, impacting travel plans across St. Paul, Golden Valley, Bloomington, and Burnsville. These closures are scheduled to begin Friday night and extend through early Monday morning, potentially affecting routes to major events like concerts and sports games.
Key Takeaways
- Interstate 94 westbound and eastbound in St. Paul will experience closures for the weekend.
- Highway 55 eastbound in Golden Valley will also be closed.
- Overnight closures are planned for I-494 in Bloomington and I-35W northbound in Burnsville.
- Detour routes are available for all affected areas.
- Drivers attending events like the Jonas Brothers concert or Wild home-opener should plan ahead.
St. Paul Interstate 94 Closures
Interstate 94 in St. Paul will see significant closures starting Friday evening. The westbound lanes of I-94 will be closed between I-35E and Dale Street. Simultaneously, the eastbound lanes of I-94 will be closed from Highway 280 to University Avenue. These closures are set to begin at 10 p.m. on Friday and conclude by 5 a.m. on Monday.
These specific sections of I-94 are major routes for commuters and event-goers. The timing coincides with a busy weekend in the city. The Grand Casino Arena will host a Jonas Brothers concert on Friday night. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild hockey team has its home-opener game on Saturday night.
"Drivers heading to the Grand Casino Arena this weekend should be aware of these closures," stated Hanna Conway, a 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Traffic reporter. "Planning an alternate route is essential to avoid delays."
Traffic Tip
For those navigating the I-94 closures in St. Paul, recommended detours include using I-35E, Highway 36, and Highway 280. These routes can help drivers bypass the affected segments.
Golden Valley Highway 55 Closure
Another significant closure will occur in Golden Valley. Highway 55 eastbound will be inaccessible from Highway 100 to Thomas Avenue. This closure also follows the weekend schedule, starting at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopening at 5 a.m. on Monday.
Highway 55 is a key east-west artery through Golden Valley, connecting various suburbs to Minneapolis. The closure will require drivers to adjust their travel paths through the area.
Understanding Detours
The designated detour for the Highway 55 eastbound closure involves taking Highway 169 to I-694, and then connecting to I-94. This route provides a comprehensive bypass around the construction zone, although it may add travel time.
Overnight Work in Bloomington and Burnsville
Beyond the weekend-long closures, drivers should also prepare for shorter overnight disruptions in other parts of the Twin Cities metro area. These include closures in Bloomington and Burnsville, both scheduled for Friday night into Saturday morning.
Bloomington: I-494 Overnight Closure
In Bloomington, Interstate 494 will be closed in both directions between Cedar Avenue and I-35W. This closure is relatively brief, starting at 10 p.m. on Friday and concluding at 5 a.m. on Saturday. This segment of I-494 is a vital connector for south metro traffic.
- Start Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- End Time: Saturday, 5 a.m.
- Affected Area: I-494 in both directions, between Cedar Avenue and I-35W.
- Recommended Detour: Use Cedar Avenue, Highway 62, and I-35W to navigate around the closed section.
Burnsville: I-35W Northbound Closure
Further south, Burnsville will experience an overnight closure on I-35W northbound. The highway will be closed from the Burnsville Split to Cliff Road. This specific closure also begins on Friday night at 9 p.m. and is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The Burnsville Split is a complex interchange, and this closure will impact northbound traffic heading towards Minneapolis. Drivers should allow extra time for their journeys through this area during the affected hours.
Burnsville Detour
The detour for the I-35W northbound closure in Burnsville directs traffic onto I-35E, then to Cedar Avenue, and finally to I-494. This route helps maintain traffic flow while work is underway on I-35W.
Planning Your Weekend Travel
Motorists are advised to check real-time traffic updates before departing this weekend. Construction projects are a common occurrence in the Twin Cities, and these scheduled closures are part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Being aware of the affected routes and available detours can significantly reduce travel stress and delays.
According to regional transportation authorities, these projects are essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the highway system. While temporary inconveniences may arise, the long-term benefits include improved road conditions and reduced future congestion.
For specific information regarding accessibility or public file content, individuals with disabilities can contact KSTP via their online form or by calling 651-646-5555. Please note that this website's content is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
