I-394 lane reductions, ramp closures begin Feb. 22 for bridge, road repairs
The February work launches 2026 construction on I-394 that is scheduled to be complete in late fall
ROSEVILLE, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is resuming significant road work on Interstate 394 from late February through late fall 2026 to make important safety improvements and extend the life of more than 30 bridges and the highway. Motorists who travel on westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley should expect delays and plan for reduced driving lanes and ramp closures beginning on Feb. 22.
“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.”
The primary purpose of the project is to repair 34 bridges and ramps along the corridor, improving traveler safety and extending the life of the bridges for another 20-plus years. Work on the improvement project is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.
All dates for the traffic impacts listed below are tentative and weather dependent.
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.
10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 to 5 a.m., 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.
Stay informed on the I-394 project
- Visit the project webpage.
- Sign up for I-394 project email updates.
- Plan your trip: Visit 511mn.org or download the free 511MN app for real-time traffic and travel information.
About this project
MnDOT is repairing 34 bridges and ramps along I-394 and I-94 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley. This project includes maintenance of the Dunwoody Boulevard ramp, replacing the deck for the Penn Avenue bridge that crosses over I-394 and other improvements. Ongoing traffic impacts will be announced throughout the construction season.
Safety in work zones
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Pay attention. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio — even eating — while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
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