Twin Cities Brace For Extensive Highway Closures And Lane Reductions This Weekend

Twin Cities Brace For Extensive Highway Closures And Lane Reductions This Weekend

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN – July 25, 2025 – Twin Cities commuters and travelers are advised to prepare for significant traffic disruptions this weekend, as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is implementing several major highway closures and lane reductions across the metropolitan area. The closures, starting Friday evening, are part of the state's aggressive summer construction schedule aimed at improving roads, bridges, and critical transportation infrastructure.

Drivers should expect substantial delays and plan alternate routes or consider public transit, especially if traveling to or through areas impacted by the ongoing projects.

Key Closures and Lane Reductions for the Weekend of July 25-28:

• I-494 in Inver Grove Heights: All lanes in both directions of I-494 will be closed between Exit 65 (7th Avenue in South St. Paul) and Exit 67 (Robert Street in Inver Grove Heights). This closure begins at 10 p.m. Friday and is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. This is primarily for demolition work on the northbound Highway 52 bridge over I-494. Detours will be clearly marked. Additionally, some ramps at the I-494/Highway 52 interchange, including eastbound I-494 to northbound Highway 52 and northbound Highway 52 to westbound I-494, will remain closed through September.
• Highway 55 in Minneapolis/Golden Valley: Minnesota Highway 55 will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, July 28, between Highway 100 in Golden Valley and Thomas Avenue in Minneapolis. This closure will directly impact traffic heading to and from Target Field events this weekend. A lengthy detour will be in place, guiding drivers from westbound I-94, to eastbound I-694, to East River Road, to westbound I-694, to southbound Highway 100, and finally back to Highway 55. Furthermore, Highway 55 is already reduced to one lane in both directions between Highway 100 and Penn Avenue North until September 26.
• I-394 E-ZPass Lanes in Minneapolis: Starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, the E-ZPass lanes on I-394 will close in both directions between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. These express lanes are expected to remain closed through November 2025. During this period, there will be no separate E-ZPass option, no tolls, no carpool, and no transit advantage in these lanes. MnDOT officials anticipate significant delays as the approximately 5,000 vehicles that typically use these lanes daily will be shifted into the general travel lanes.

Ongoing and Longer-Term Projects Affecting Twin Cities Traffic:

These weekend closures are part of a broader, extensive construction season across Minnesota, with MnDOT overseeing nearly 180 road and bridge projects statewide in 2025. Several major long-term projects are contributing to the congestion:

• I-94 in Minneapolis: Repair work on five bridges along I-94 in Minneapolis, including the Mississippi River bridge, has led to ongoing lane reductions. The freeway is often reduced to two lanes in each direction through November, creating bottlenecks.
• I-35W/I-494 Interchange (Edina to Richfield): This multi-year, $377 million project involves reconstructing the interchange, repairing and replacing bridges, building a pedestrian bridge, adding E-ZPass lanes, and repairing pavement. Impacts are expected through November 2026.
• Highway 5 (East 7th Street) and Highway 61 (Arcade Street) in St. Paul: This project involves resurfacing and other improvements.
• I-35W in Burnsville: Resurfacing and bridge repair/replacement are underway, with work expected to continue into 2026.
• Various County Roads: Numerous projects are also underway on county roads throughout the metro, including the 4th Street South rehabilitation in South St. Paul, the Marie Avenue reconstruction in South St. Paul, and the Minnesota Street reconstruction in downtown St. Paul.

MnDOT acknowledges the frustration among drivers due to the simultaneous nature of many of these projects, particularly in high-traffic corridors. State Representative Andrew Myers, co-vice chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy committee, has even raised concerns with MnDOT regarding the impact on commuters.

Tips for Drivers:

MnDOT urges all motorists to:

• Obey posted speed limits: Fines for speeding in a work zone are $300.
• Drive undistracted: Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, or engaging in other distracting activities.
• Move over: Give workers ample room to safely complete their tasks.
• Know before you go: Utilize real-time traffic information by visiting www.511mn.org or downloading the free 511mn smartphone app.
• Be patient: Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Consider alternative transportation: Public transit, carpooling, or adjusting travel times can help alleviate congestion.

For detailed information on current and upcoming construction projects, drivers can visit the MnDOT website at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/news.html or sign up for project email updates.

MinneapoliMedia