Full Road Closure Now Scheduled On Interstate 94 In Minnesota

Summer road construction projects in Minnesota are not wrapping up as new projects begin and other major projects continue this year and even into 2026.

This spring, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it had nearly 180 road and bridge projects lined up this season, plus an additional 51 projects designed to improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.

Now, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is preparing motorists of the continuation of a $16 million project to provide maintenance and repair work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis. These bridges include:

I-94 bridge (Dartmouth Bridge) that spans the Mississippi River
Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94
I-94 over Cedar Avenue
I-94 over the Light Rail Transit (Blue Line)
I-94 over Hwy 55/Hiawatha Avenue

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The next phase will force a full road closure on Interstate 94.

Full Road Closure Coming On I-94 In Minneapolis

According to MnDOT, motorists should prepare for a full road closure in both directions of Interstate 94 between I-35W and Highway 280 in Minneapolis between August 15 and August 18.

The closure is necessary so that crews can restore pavement markings and return traffic to its permanent condition.

Things will begin at 9:00 p.m. on August 15 when all I-94 entrance and exit ramps between I-35W and Highway 280 and the ramp from eastbound I-94 to eastbound Highway 55, are closed to traffic.

Then at 10 p.m., both directions of I-94 between I-35W and Highway 280 will also close. Motorists are encouraged to use the posted detour route of I-35W, Highway 36, I-35E, and I-94.

Officials expect that by 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, all lanes and ramps along this stretch of I-94 will reopen to traffic, just in time for the Minnesota State Fair, which runs from August 21 through Labor Day.

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However, MnDOT notes that the ramp from Huron Boulevard to eastbound I-94 will not reopen until Wednesday, August 20.

What Happens Next On I-94

Motorists can expect work to resume after Labor Day in order to complete most of the final construction activities by the end of September of this year. Then, there will be periodic lane closures in spring 2026 when crews apply a deck sealant to the restored bridges.

Of course, all construction activities and traffic impacts are weather-dependent and subject to change. MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, and slow down in work zones where workers are present.

Purpose Of This Project

MnDOT reiterates that the purpose of this project is to provide maintenance and repair work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis, to provide a smoother and safer riding surface.

Once completed, the crew will have: