I-94 and I-35E bridge painting, closures begin this summer

St. Paul, Minn. – Beginning this summer, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will repair nine bridges over I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul. Additionally, a full replacement of the John Ireland Blvd bridge over I-94 will begin in early October, after the Twin Cities Marathon. The new bridge design will improve safety with sidewalk, biking and accessibility updates.

The first phase of the project will require periodic weekend closures of I-94 and partial bridge closures this summer to ensure proper maintenance of bridges along the highway. The specific timing of these closures will be shared in advance. The bridges included in this project are:

Jackson St.
Robert St.
Minnesota St.
Cedar St.
Wabasha St. N
10th St. W
Western Ave. N
Marion St.
5th St. ramp to I-94 westbound

Construction will begin with an eastbound closure of I-94 from Hwy 280 to I-35E from 10 p.m. on Friday, June 27 to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 30. Eastbound traffic will be directed north on Hwy 280, east on Hwy 36, and south on I-35E returning to I-94. View a detour map.

Additionally, Marion St. bridge over I-94 will be closed beginning July 7 through September 26.

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule dependent and subject to change.

MnDOT encourages people traveling in and around downtown St. Paul to plan ahead and review closures, especially for high-traffic summer events. MnDOT also urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution and slow down in work zones where workers are present.

For more information about this project work or to sign up for email updates, visit the project website at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/johnirelandbridge.

###