Minneapolis Will Close Eastbound I-394 Starting October 16

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close segments of eastbound I-394 through October 19 for bridge painting.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Car Maintenance

Minneapolis Will Close Eastbound I-394 Starting October 16

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Eastbound I-394 between I-94 and downtown Minneapolis will close to traffic beginning at 10 p.m. on October 16. The closure is scheduled to last until 5 a.m. on October 19 to facilitate necessary bridge painting work.

Why it matters

This work is a critical component of a broader maintenance initiative aimed at repairing over 30 bridges in the area. Completing this maintenance ensures the continued structural integrity of vital infrastructure for Minneapolis commuters.

The current closure facilitates painting work for a project encompassing more than 30 bridges. This repair effort is slated to reach final completion by November 2026.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of Minnesota's highway and bridge infrastructure.

The details

Crews will shut down the lanes between I-94 and downtown Minneapolis, along with exit ramps at 3rd Avenue, 4th Street, North 6th Street, and North 12th Street. Drivers are advised to consult detour maps available on the project website while I-94 remains open.

The closure of eastbound I-394 begins at 10 p.m. on October 16, 2026.
The closure ends at 5 a.m. on October 19, 2026.
The full bridge repair project is scheduled for completion in November 2026.

Roadmap

This project reflects the state's ongoing commitment to the long-term viability of urban transit corridors through the Minnesota State Transportation Improvement Program. These repairs ensure aging infrastructure meets modern safety standards while preventing more extensive and costly future structural failures.

Commuters should plan for significant delays and use designated detour routes throughout the closure period. Drivers are encouraged to check the project website for updated maps before traveling through downtown Minneapolis.

The takeaway

Drivers in the Minneapolis area should prepare for navigation changes during this three-day window. Utilizing official detour resources will help commuters minimize travel time while crews perform necessary bridge maintenance.

What happens next

Following the October 19 reopening, officials have confirmed that additional, occasional overnight directional closures of I-394 will occur to complete the remainder of the 30-bridge project.