MnDOT is proposing to construct or reconstruct three noise walls along I-494/I-35W as part of the I-494 project 2 improvements (scheduled for construction in 2027-2030). To learn about the noise analysis process, proposed noise wall locations, and the voting process, visit the noise walls webpage.
We are also hosting a virtual public meeting on Tue, Dec. 16, to share more information about the proposed noise wall on the north side of I-494 between East Bush Lake Rd. and West Bush Lake Rd. For more information about this event, visit the meetings webpage.
This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent. Local access to all businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction.
Please be advised that ongoing construction projects during this season may result in increased noise levels. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our infrastructure.
Current
Road closures
5 a.m. Tue, Dec. 9 through Spring/Summer 2026
East 78th St. (north of I-494) between 12th Ave. and 14th Ave. is closed
Through December
East 78th St. is closed between Chicago Ave. and 12th Ave. (south of I-494)
Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained
West 78th St. is closed between Normandale Dr. and east of Computer Ave.
East 78th St. (north of I-494) between 2nd Ave. and Portland Ave. is closed
Detour: Nicollet Ave. to 77th St. to 2nd Ave.
Through summer 2026
East 78th St. (north of I-494) between Nicollet Ave. and 2nd Ave. is closed
Lane closures
Through December; 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly
Expect intermittent lane closures on I-494 in both directions between East Bush Lake Rd. in Edina and 12th Ave. North in Richfield
Expect intermittent lane closures on I-35W in both directions between 82nd St. and 76th St.
Ramp closures
Through December; 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly
Expect short term ramp closures along I-494 between East Bush Lake Rd. in Edina and 12th Ave. North in Richfield
Expect short term ramp closures along I-35W between 82nd St. and 76th St.
Through January 2026
Portland Ave. ramp to westbound I-494
Access changes
5 a.m. Tue, Dec. 9
The following ramp will close permanently
Westbound I-494 to 12th Ave.
Fri, Dec. 5
East 78th St. between 2nd Ave. and Portland Ave. will reopen to westbound traffic only
Wed, Nov. 26
The following ramps will close permanently:
Nicollet Ave. to eastbound I-494
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.
Access changes
December 2025
The following ramps will close permanently:
Eastbound I-494 to Nicollet Ave.
Westbound I-494 to Nicollet Ave.
Westbound I-494 to 12th Ave.
January 2026
The following ramps will close permanently:
Nicollet Ave. to westbound I-494
Construction timeline
The following construction activities are anticipated and subject to change:
2025
Full reconstruction of Portland Ave. including bridge over I-494 and all ramps; and the intersections of American Blvd., 77th St., and WB I-494.
Complete reconstruction of American Blvd. between Hwy 100 and France Ave.
Reconstruct the I-35W/I-494 interchange
Construction of right turn lane on westbound American Blvd. to northbound Lyndale Ave.
Complete work on East Bloomington Freeway
Reconstruct 78th St./Normandale Blvd. between Hwy 100 and France Ave.
Utility work
Complete: Bridge deck repair at France Ave.
Complete: Deck and sidewalk repair on the west side of Penn Ave.
Complete: Reconstruct the westbound I-494 bridge
Complete: Pedestrian bridge near Chicago Ave.
2026
Replace Nicollet Ave. bridge
Replace 12th Ave. bridge
2027-2030
Add E-ZPass lanes in both directions on I-494 from I-35W to Hwy 77
Add E-ZPass lanes in both directions on I-494 from Hwy 169 to Hwy 100
Reconstruct interchanges and replace bridges at 82nd St., I-35W, and Hwy 77
Restore pavement and rehabilitate bridges along I-494
Upgrade ramps, intersections, sidewalks, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure
Improve drainage to reduce flooding and runoff
Include landscaping, lighting, and community-informed design features
About these projects
The I-494: Airport to Hwy 169 study developed a long-term plan that includes improvements to address current and future transportation issues on I-494 from Hwy 169 to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. It's a major construction project that cannot be built all at once due to funding limitations and impacts during construction. As a result, four separate construction projects have been planned to complete the entire I-494 vision. Project one is underway and is anticipated to be complete in 2026. Project two is anticipated to begin in 2027.
2023-2026 construction
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.
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
Add EZ-Pass lane on I-494 in both directions from Hwy 100 to I-35W (to open in 2030 as part of Project 2)
2027-2030 construction
The next project from the I-494: Airport to Hwy 169 study is set to begin in 2027. This second project will expand E-ZPass lanes from I-35W to Hwy 77, reconstruct ramps and bridges at key interchanges, and include upgrades to pavement, drainage, and pedestrian infrastructure. Once complete, these improvements will help reduce congestion, improve travel times and safety, and enhance access for people walking, biking, and using transit.
Summary of work
Add E-ZPass lanes in both directions on I-494 from I-35W to Hwy 77
Add E-ZPass lanes in both directions on I-494 from Hwy 169 to Hwy 100
Reconstruct interchanges and replace bridges at 82nd St., I-35W, and Hwy 77
Restore pavement and rehabilitate bridges along I-494
Upgrade ramps, intersections, sidewalks, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure
Improve drainage to reduce flooding and runoff
Include landscaping, lighting, and community-informed design features
