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Twin Cities Weekend Travel Alert: Major Road Closures Expected

Weekend Road Closures Set to Disrupt Travel Across the Twin Cities Metro Area

As the weekend approaches, drivers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, commonly known as the Twin Cities, should brace for significant disruptions due to a series of planned road closures. These closures are part of ongoing construction and maintenance efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing safety, and accommodating long-term transportation projects. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced multiple shutdowns that will affect key highways, interstates, and local roads, potentially leading to delays, detours, and increased congestion. With the region's bustling traffic patterns—especially during weekends when people head out for shopping, events, or leisure—it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to plan ahead. This summary delves into the specifics of these closures, their expected impacts, recommended detours, and broader context on why these projects are necessary, helping you navigate the Twin Cities with minimal hassle.

Starting with one of the most prominent closures, Interstate 35W (I-35W) will see major restrictions in the southern suburbs. Specifically, the southbound lanes of I-35W between Highway 62 in Richfield and 106th Street in Bloomington will be fully closed from Friday evening through Monday morning. This closure is tied to a pavement replacement project that's been ongoing for several months, designed to address wear and tear from heavy daily use. I-35W is a vital artery connecting downtown Minneapolis to the southern suburbs and beyond, carrying tens of thousands of vehicles daily. The shutdown will force drivers to seek alternative routes, with MnDOT recommending detours via Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) or Highway 169. Expect heavier traffic on these alternatives, particularly during peak hours like Saturday afternoons when mall traffic surges toward the Mall of America in Bloomington. Commuters heading to the airport should add extra time, as this could extend travel by 20-30 minutes or more depending on volume.

Moving northward, another significant impact comes from work on Interstate 94 (I-94) in St. Paul. Eastbound I-94 will be reduced to a single lane between Highway 280 and Interstate 35E from late Friday night until early Sunday. This lane reduction is part of bridge deck repairs over the Ramsey County line, aimed at preventing structural issues that could arise from Minnesota's harsh freeze-thaw cycles. I-94 serves as a critical east-west corridor, linking the Twin Cities with Wisconsin and facilitating commerce and daily commutes. Drivers should anticipate slowdowns, especially if traveling to events in downtown St. Paul or the state fairgrounds area. For detours, MnDOT suggests using University Avenue or Highway 36 as parallels, though these surface streets may not handle the influx efficiently, leading to potential bottlenecks at intersections.

In the western suburbs, Highway 100 will face closures that could snarl traffic for those in Edina, St. Louis Park, and Golden Valley. Northbound Highway 100 will be closed between 50th Street and Highway 7 starting Friday night and reopening by Sunday afternoon. This is for utility work and ramp improvements, which are essential for integrating better access to local businesses and residential areas. Highway 100 is a loop road that encircles much of the metro, and disruptions here often ripple out to affect nearby Interstates 394 and 494. Recommended detours include using Excelsior Boulevard or Minnetonka Boulevard, but be prepared for residential street congestion. This closure coincides with popular weekend activities like visits to the Southdale Center shopping district, so shoppers might want to consider public transit options like Metro Transit's bus routes that parallel Highway 100.

Not to be overlooked are the closures on Interstate 494 (I-494), particularly in the south metro area near the Minnesota River. Westbound I-494 will be closed between Highway 5 in Eden Prairie and Interstate 35E in Mendota Heights from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. This extensive shutdown is part of the larger I-494 corridor project, which includes adding lanes, improving interchanges, and enhancing safety features to reduce accidents in this high-traffic zone. I-494 forms the southern beltway around the Twin Cities, crucial for airport access, suburban commuting, and freight transport. The detour route involves Highway 62 (Crosstown Highway) and then reconnecting via Highway 77, but this path could see significant backups, especially with concurrent closures on I-35W. MnDOT advises using real-time traffic apps or their 511 service for updates, as construction crews may adjust timelines based on weather or progress.

Downtown Minneapolis isn't spared either, with ramp closures affecting access to and from Interstate 35W and Highway 55 (Hiawatha Avenue). The ramp from eastbound Washington Avenue to southbound I-35W will be closed throughout the weekend for signage updates and pavement marking. This might seem minor, but in the dense urban core, it can cause cascading delays for those heading to Twins games at Target Field or concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Alternative access points include using the 4th Street ramp or surface streets like Hennepin Avenue, though parking and pedestrian traffic could complicate matters.

On the eastern side, in Woodbury and Maplewood, Highway 36 will have intermittent lane closures between Century Avenue and Interstate 694. These are for shoulder widening and guardrail installations, part of efforts to improve safety along this commuter route to Wisconsin. While not a full closure, the reduced capacity could lead to slowdowns during weekend travel peaks, such as Sunday evenings when people return from lake cabins.

Beyond these major highways, several local road projects will add to the mix. In Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids Boulevard will be closed at Foley Boulevard for intersection reconstruction, affecting north metro residents. In Eagan, Yankee Doodle Road near Highway 13 will see detours for sewer line repairs. These smaller-scale works, while localized, can exacerbate regional traffic if drivers reroute onto already stressed paths.

The reasons behind these closures are rooted in Minnesota's need to maintain and upgrade its aging infrastructure. Many of these projects are funded through federal initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocates billions for road improvements nationwide. In the Twin Cities, with its population exceeding 3.5 million and growing suburban sprawl, such work is vital to reduce congestion, lower accident rates, and support economic growth. For instance, the I-35W project alone is expected to extend the highway's lifespan by decades, preventing costly emergencies down the line. However, the timing—often scheduled for weekends to minimize weekday commuter impacts—means leisure travelers bear the brunt.

To mitigate disruptions, experts recommend several strategies. First, check MnDOT's website or the 511 app for real-time updates, as weather (like potential rain this weekend) could alter schedules. Carpooling or using public transit, such as light rail lines that parallel some affected routes, can be effective alternatives. For longer trips, consider delaying travel until off-peak times, like early mornings or late evenings. Safety is paramount: with detours often routing through unfamiliar areas, drivers should avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and watch for construction workers. MnDOT emphasizes that these short-term pains lead to long-term gains, like smoother roads and fewer potholes come winter.

In summary, this weekend's road closures in the Twin Cities underscore the ongoing balance between maintenance needs and daily mobility. From I-35W's full shutdown in the south to lane reductions on I-94 in St. Paul, and various suburban impacts, the metro area will feel the strain. By planning routes in advance, staying informed, and exercising patience, drivers can navigate these challenges effectively. As infrastructure projects continue into the fall, similar weekends may follow, so building habits like monitoring traffic alerts now will pay off in the long run. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the area's vibrant culture—from the lakes of Minneapolis to the historic sites in St. Paul—these tips ensure you arrive safely and on time. (Word count: 1,028)

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