This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
Traffic impacts
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent. Local access to all businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction. 78th St. (south of I-494) between 12th Ave. and just east of Chicago Ave. is permanently closed.
Current
Road closures
5 a.m. Mon, Oct. 28 through Sun, Dec. 8
- American Blvd. is closed to through traffic in both directions between Hwy 100 and France Ave.
- Access to local businesses will be maintained. Please follow the detour signs.
- Through traffic detour: France Ave. to 84th St. to Normandale Lake Blvd. (PNG)
Ramp closures
Through mid-December
- The ramp from EB I-494 to NB I-35W is closed
- The ramp from SB I-35W to EB I-494 is closed
Through Sun, Dec. 8
- The ramp from SB France Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
- The ramp from EB I-494 to France Ave. is closed
Through May 2025
- The ramp from Penn Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available. Motorists can expect several weekend, nighttime, and directional closures along I-494 and I-35W. Ramps and loops will be closed at various times for construction. There will also be lane and road closures on local roadways near I-494.
Road closures
10 p.m. Fri, Dec. 6 through 5 a.m. Mon, Dec. 9
- WB I-494 is closed between I-35W and Hwy 100
10 p.m. Fri, Dec. 6 through 10 a.m. Sat, Dec. 7
- EB I-494 is closed between Hwy 100 and Hwy 77
10 a.m. Sat, Dec. 7 through 5 a.m. Mon, Dec. 9
- EB I-494 is closed between Hwy 100 and I-35W
Ramp closures
8 p.m. Fri, Dec. 6 through 5 a.m. Mon, Dec. 9
- All ramps on WB I-494 are closed between I-35W and Hwy 100
8 p.m. Fri, Dec. 6 through 10 a.m. Sat, Dec. 7
- All ramps on EB I-494 are closed between Hwy 100 and Hwy 77
10 a.m. Sat, Dec. 7 through 5 a.m. Mon, Dec. 9
- All ramps on EB I-494 are closed between Hwy 100 and I-35W
About this project
We are constructing E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from Hwy 100 to I-35W in each direction and adding a new ramp at the I-35W and I-494 interchange. We are also replacing the bridges crossing over I-494 at Portland Ave., Nicollet Ave., and 12th Ave., and adding a new pedestrian bridge at Chicago Ave. that crosses over I-494 to provide an additional pedestrian and bicycle connection across I-494.
When work is completed, the E-ZPass lanes and the new ramp at the I-35W and I-494 interchange will address congestion on the interstate. The new bridges at Portland, Nicollet, and 12th Ave. will accommodate future traffic levels, provide wider, accessible sidewalks, new bike lanes, and upgrades to some transit stations. We will be removing access to I-494 from Nicollet Ave. and 12th Ave., but will provide full access to I-494 from Portland Ave.
This is the first of four construction projects that are part of the I-494: Airport to Hwy 169 vision.
Summary of work
- Add EZ-Pass lane on I-494 in both directions from Hwy 100 to I-35W
- Modify interchanges along I-494 at Penn Ave., I-35W, Nicollet Ave., Portland Ave., and 12th Ave. and at I-35W/82nd St.
- Reconstruct and repair pavement on I-494 and local roads
- Reconfigure I-35W/I-494 interchange
- Replace bridges at Nicollet Ave., Portland Ave., 12th Ave., and I-494 over I-35W
- Repair bridges at France Ave. and Penn Ave.
- Construct new pedestrian bridge near Chicago Ave. over I-494
- Construct noise and retaining walls
- Relocate or adjust multiple public and private utilities
- Connect walking path and concrete bike path along Portland Ave.
- Replace lighting, signage, and dynamic message boards
- Improve ramps, sidewalks, and signals at multiple intersections