I-494

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.

Current

Road closures

5 a.m. Mon, Oct. 28 through Fri, Nov. 15

• 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)

Mon, April 29 through November

• 78th St. (south of I-494) is closed in both directions between Portland Ave. and Chicago Ave. Access to 78th St. from Portland Ave. is permanently closed.

Lane closures

Mon, Sept. 23 through November

• Penn Ave. is reduced to one lane in both directions between W. 79th St. and W. 78th St.

March through late November; 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly

• Expect intermittent lane closures on I-494 in both directions between E. Bush Lake Rd. and 12th Ave. N.
• Short term lane closures on I-35W in both directions between 82nd St. and 76th St.

Ramp closures

Through November

• The ramp from EB I-494 to NB I-35W is closed
• Detour: EB I-494 to NB Hwy 77 to WB Hwy 62 to NB I-35W (PNG)
• The ramp from SB I-35W to EB I-494 is closed
• Detour: EB Hwy 62 to SB Hwy 77 to EB I-494 (PNG)
• The ramp from SB France Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
• Detour: SB France Ave. to WB I-494 to SB Hwy 100 to EB I-494 (PNG)
• The ramp from EB I-494 to France Ave. is closed
• Detour: EB I-494 to NB Hwy 100 to EB Hwy 62 to France Ave. (PNG)

Through December

• The ramp from Penn Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
• Detour: Penn Ave. to EB 82nd Ave. to NB I-35W to EB I-494 (PNG)

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

Late November

• 78th St. (south of I-494) between 12th Ave. and just east of Chicago Ave. will be permanently closed

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