This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
Traffic impacts
![I-494 between East Bush Lake Road in Edina and 12th Avenue North in Richfield project location map](images/projectmap.png)
I-494 Edina to Richfield project location map.
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. Tue, May 28 through September
- 78th St. (north of I-494) is closed in both directions between Chicago Ave. and 12th Ave.
Through mid-September
- 79th St./Southtown Dr. is closed in both directions between Xerxes Ave. and Penn Ave.
- 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 Blvd. (PNG)
Mon, April 29 through October
- 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
March through late summer; 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
5 a.m. Mon, Aug. 19 through early October
- The ramp from EB I-494 to Penn Ave. is closed
Mon, June 24 through late September
- The ramp from NB France Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
Wed, July 24 through mid-November
- The ramp from EB I-494 to France Ave. is closed
Through November
- The ramp from EB I-494 to NB I-35W is closed
- The ramp from SB I-35W to EB I-494 is closed
- The ramp from SB France Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
- The ramp from Penn Ave. to EB I-494 is closed
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 September/early October
- WB I-494 is closed between Hwy 77 and Hwy 100
- EB I-494 is closed between Hwy 100 and Hwy 77
Ramp closures
5 a.m. Mon, Sept. 9 through Mon, Nov. 4
- The ramp from NB Hwy 100 to EB I-494 is 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