MnDOT Will Close Parts of I-94 and I-394 in Minneapolis
Maintenance crews are scheduled to perform essential bridge and deck repairs throughout the upcoming weekend.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close segments of I-94 and I-394 in Minneapolis from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12, 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to restore 34 bridges and ramps before the winter season.
Why it matters
Regular infrastructure maintenance prevents structural deterioration caused by harsh Minnesota winters. Performing these repairs now ensures roadway safety and longevity for daily commuters throughout the city.
Crews will restore 34 bridges and ramps across the freeway system. The closures are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. on Friday and conclude at 5 a.m. on Monday.
The players
MnDOT
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is the government agency responsible for managing the state's transportation infrastructure and freeway maintenance.
The details
Workers will paint westbound I-394 bridges and perform essential patching and sealing on eastbound I-94 bridge decks. Entrance ramps from 3rd Avenue, 5th Street, Twins Way, and Linden Avenue will be inaccessible to traffic during this period.
Timeline
Closures begin at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Closures conclude at 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
The overall infrastructure project is expected to be completed in November 2026.
Roadmap
This project aligns with the state's long-term strategy to preserve existing assets through proactive infrastructure management. These recurring maintenance cycles are essential for mitigating the rapid wear and tear that cold-weather climates exert on major urban transportation corridors.
Drivers should prepare for significant delays and plan to use alternate routes such as Highway 55 or Highway 100 during the closure period. Residents and visitors navigating Minneapolis will need to adjust their travel times to account for ramp and freeway accessibility changes.
The takeaway
Proactive infrastructure care helps minimize the risk of emergency road repairs during the coldest months of the year. Local drivers should monitor official updates to ensure their travel routes remain clear and safe throughout the fall.
What happens next
The overall repair project for the 34 identified bridges and ramps is scheduled to reach full completion in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming road work, visit the Car Maintenance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.
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