Expect Months Of Head-To-Head Traffic Now On I-94 In Minnesota

For people throughout Minnesota, the warmer, summer-like weather is a great way to start the week, despite the risk of storms in parts of the state.

However, we all know all too well that this time of year also means that road construction projects will be ramping up, which can make road trips and even our daily commutes a little frustrating.

Earlier this year, I wrote about MnDOT's 2026 construction season, which includes just over 200 planned projects statewide to improve roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure.

One of those projects is now making its presence felt in central Minnesota.

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Major Project On Interstate 94 Is Now Underway

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that starting this week, drivers on Interstate 94 between Sauk Centre and Melrose in Stearns County should expect single-lane, head-to-head traffic around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through late October 2026.

The work involves repairing and reconstructing four bridges over the Sauk River. This year, crews will focus on the eastbound bridge decks, including a new concrete wearing course, approach panels, concrete joints, catch basins, and guardrail.

The westbound bridges will follow in 2027, making this a two-season project that wraps up in fall 2027.

Drivers should expect multiple crews on site and changing conditions, including lane shifts, limited shoulders, and reduced speeds to 60 miles per hour through the work zones. MnDOT recommends using the zipper merge and staying in both lanes until the merge point.

The total project cost is $10.3 million, with Redstone Construction, LLC serving as the prime contractor.

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Work will pause in late October when both directions of I-94 will reopen to two lanes for the winter. When the full project wraps up in 2027, travelers will benefit from smoother and safer bridge surfaces and improved freight movement along one of central Minnesota's busiest corridors.

For real-time travel conditions, visit 511mn.org or download the free 511 Minnesota app. For project-specific details and maps, visit mndot.gov/d3/i94/sauk-river.