MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | I-394 Lanes Reopen After Two Years of Construction as $67 Million Highway Project Nears Completion

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports that regular traffic has returned to the corridor, with E-ZPass lanes expected to reopen later this week.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 3, 2026).

Motorists traveling between Minneapolis and the western suburbs are seeing a significant improvement in highway access following the reopening of Interstate 394 lanes after approximately two years of construction.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation confirmed Monday that a $67 million construction project on the corridor has largely been completed, allowing traffic to resume in both directions.

The reopening marks an important milestone for a highway used by commuters traveling between downtown Minneapolis and western Hennepin County communities.

The project required substantial construction work over two years, creating changing traffic patterns and restrictions for motorists.

With regular lanes reopened, drivers can expect fewer construction-related disruptions along the completed sections.

E-ZPass lanes scheduled to reopen

Although general traffic has returned, the department said E-ZPass lanes would reopen later in the week.

That means the project has not yet reached its final operational stage.

Motorists who use the managed lanes should continue checking MnDOT announcements before assuming all lane restrictions have ended.

E-ZPass facilities allow eligible drivers to use designated lanes under the program's operating rules.

Their reopening will restore an additional travel option along the corridor.

A major transportation investment

The $67 million project represents a substantial investment in the regional transportation network.

Interstate 394 serves downtown Minneapolis and communities to the west, making it an important route for workers, businesses and other travelers.

Highway construction can create temporary inconvenience, but the completed infrastructure is intended to support ongoing transportation needs.

The reopening is especially relevant as the region enters the winter driving season, when road conditions and travel times can become more unpredictable.

What motorists should know

MnDOT's announcement indicates that the principal construction work is largely finished, but drivers should remain alert for any remaining temporary restrictions.

The reopening does not guarantee that every component of the project has been completed or that all traffic management systems have returned to normal operation.

Further updates are expected as the E-ZPass lanes reopen.

For commuters who have navigated two years of construction, the return of regular traffic represents a meaningful change in daily travel along one of the western Twin Cities' principal highway corridors.

❤️ SUPPORT MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life