Southbound Highway 280 closure begins April 29 at 5 a.m. as major construction continues
Northbound Highway 280 already closed; highway expected to reopen for the Minnesota State Fair
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds motorists that southbound Highway 280 will close beginning Wednesday, April 29 at 5 a.m., as crews continue major safety improvements and road and bridge repairs between Interstate 94 in St. Paul and Highway 36/I-35W in Roseville.
Northbound Highway 280 has already been closed since April 13 to allow crews to begin construction on the highway.
Closure timeline:
- Northbound Highway 280 closed April 13 and will remain closed through late August.
- Southbound Highway 280 will close beginning April 29 at 5 a.m. and remain closed through late August. Prior to the full closure, motorists should expect lane and ramp closures between midnight and 5 a.m. on April 29 to prepare the highway for the closure.
Highway 280 in both directions is expected to reopen in late August, prior to the start of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Following the State Fair, motorists should expect lane and ramp closures through fall 2026 as crews complete final construction activities.
What to expect
During the full closure, Highway 280 through traffic will be directed to a regional detour using I-35W or I-94, Highway 36 and I-35E.
There will be no signed local detours. During peak morning and afternoon travel hours, motorists should expect increased traffic on surrounding local streets such as Cleveland, Raymond and Snelling avenues. Drivers should leave extra time or find an alternate route.
Additional impacts include:
- The ramps to both directions of I-94 from Franklin Avenue will close on April 29.
- The ramps to University Avenue from both directions of I-94 closed April 13 and will remain closed until late August.
- Cross streets will remain open except Broadway Street which closed April 13 and will remain closed until late August.
- Energy Park Drive will be reduced to one lane in each direction under Highway 280.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
MnDOT encourages motorists to:
- Be prepared and plan ahead
- Follow posted detour signs
- Consider alternate routes
- Allow extra travel time
About the Highway 280 project
Beginning in April and continuing through fall 2026, MnDOT will:
- Resurface aging pavement
- Repair and improve bridges
- Repair and resurface ramps
- Replace drainage
- Make additional safety enhancements
These improvements will extend the life of the highway and bridges, improve safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists.
In spring 2028, MnDOT will return to complete additional bridge repairs and make safety and accessibility improvements for people traveling along and across Highway 280.
For more information, including detour maps and project updates, visit mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy280stpaul-roseville
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