I-394 Lane, Ramp Closures To Begin Feb. 22
Drivers in the metro can expect delays on Interstate 394 starting in late February and running through late fall.
On Feb. 22, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will be starting significant roadwork on westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley.
According to MnDOT, the $67 million construction project will “make important safety improvements and extend the life of more than 30 bridges and the highway.”
Crews will be repairing the Dunwoody Boulevard ramp and replacing the deck for the Penn Avenue bridge, along with other repairs and construction work.
“The I-394 work will have long-term benefits for businesses, residents and motorists by improving safety and making it easier for everyone to get around,” said Tim Nelson, director of construction, surveys and materials at MnDOT metro district. “This work is important, but it is a significant project that will result in delays starting in late February, especially for travelers heading west from downtown Minneapolis. We encourage people to plan ahead, consider using alternative transportation options and be patient as crews work to make important upgrades to bridges and roadways.”
Schedule for Closures
Per MnDOT, closures for construction work will tentatively follow the schedule below:
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 22:
· Westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley will be reduced to two lanes using the E-ZPass lanes through mid-summer 2026. E-ZPass lanes will operate as regular lanes — no tolls, and no carpool or transit option.
· Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 will be closed through fall 2026.
· Westbound I-394 ramps to and from Penn Avenue will be closed through mid-summer 2026.
· Westbound I-394 traffic will not be able to exit to Park Place Boulevard/Xenia Avenue, however the westbound exit ramp is still open for motorists coming from northbound and southbound Highway 100.
· Downtown Minneapolis traffic entering westbound I-394 will be reduced to one lane through mid-summer 2026.
· Westbound I-94 entrance ramp to westbound I-394 will be reduced to one lane through mid-summer 2026.
· Eastbound I-94 entrance ramp to westbound I-394 will be closed through mid-summer 2026.
· Intermittent, overnight lane closures on I-394 in both directions between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100.
· Intermittent, overnight lane closures on I-94 in both directions between the Lowry Hill Tunnel and Highway 55.
Starting 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 to 5 a.m. through Monday, March 2:
· Both directions of I-394 will be closed for a weekend from 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 to 5 a.m., Monday March 2, due to the demolition of the Penn Avenue bridge deck, which will be rebuilt as part of this project.
Additional info is available on MnDOT’s website.
