This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
Traffic impacts
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
Ramp closures
Through May 2025
- 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
Mon, Feb. 24 through mid-July
- E. 78th St. is closed between Chicago Ave. and 12th Ave.
- Access to local traffic will be maintained
Mid/late February
- E. 78th St. will permanently close between 5th Ave. and Portland Ave.
Late spring/summer through December
- Portland Ave. is closed between 77th St. and American Blvd.
- Access to local traffic will be maintained
Project timeline
The following construction activities are anticipated and subject to change:
Stage 3: 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.
- Bridge deck repair at France Ave.
- Deck and sidewalk repair on the west side of Penn Ave.
- Reconstruct the WB I-494 bridge and the I-35W/I-494 interchange
- Construction of right turn lane on WB American Blvd. to NB Lyndale Ave.
- Complete work on East Bloomington Freeway
- Reconstruct 78th St./Normandale Blvd. between Hwy 100 and France Ave.
- Complete pedestrian bridge near Chicago Ave.
- Utility work
- Completion of E-ZPass lanes
Stage 4: 2026
- Replace Nicollet Ave. bridge
- Replace 12th Ave. bridge
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