I-494 closes between I-35W and Hwy 77 this weekend
MnDOT will shut down Interstate 494 in both directions between I-35W and Highway 77 from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, through 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, to demolish the Nicollet Avenue bridge and the pedestrian bridge at 12th Avenue in Bloomington and Richfield. Drivers will be detoured via I-35W, Hwy 62, Hwy 77 and the remaining portions of I-494, and MnDOT is warning of significant congestion as one of the metro’s busiest segments goes dark for the weekend. As part of the same project, the eastbound I-494 ramp to Nicollet Avenue and the Nicollet-to-westbound‑494 ramp closed permanently Thursday to reduce weaving and crash risk where ramps sit too close together to Lyndale, Portland and 12th Avenues. MnDOT says these changes will give drivers more room to merge and set up new bridges that better serve people walking, biking and driving. A second full I‑494 weekend closure between I‑35W and Hwy 77 is already scheduled March 6–9 to remove the 12th Avenue bridge, which will be closed from March 5 until September. Commuters and businesses along the corridor should plan alternate routes and expect repeated disruptions as the multi‑year reconstruction ramps up.
📌 Key Facts
- I‑494 will close in both directions between I‑35W and Hwy 77 from 10 p.m. Feb. 20 to 5 a.m. Feb. 23, 2026.
- Crews will demolish the Nicollet Avenue bridge and the 12th Avenue pedestrian bridge during the closure.
- The remaining Nicollet Avenue ramps to and from I‑494 closed permanently Thursday to address congestion and safety concerns.
- The 12th Avenue bridge will close March 5 and stay closed until September; a second full I‑494 closure between I‑35W and Hwy 77 is set for March 6–9 to remove it.
- Traffic will be detoured via I‑35W, Hwy 62, Hwy 77 and open sections of I‑494.
📊 Relevant Data
The population of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA increased from 3,031,918 in 2000 to 3,690,261 in 2020, representing a 21.7% growth that contributes to higher traffic volumes on interstates like I-494.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul - Wikipedia — Wikipedia
In 2018, the busiest stretch of I-494 in the project area had an average daily traffic (ADT) of 170,000 vehicles, significantly higher than when the freeway was originally designed in the 1950s, necessitating reconstructions for safety and congestion.
P/T Notices - Professional Technical Consultant Services - MnDOT — Minnesota Department of Transportation
International immigration accounted for 94% of Minnesota's net population growth from 2020 to 2024, driving overall population increases that impact infrastructure demands like traffic on I-494.
As Boomers die, immigrants propel Minnesota's population growth — MinnPost
Non-white racial groups are driving natural population growth in Minnesota, with up to 35% of children under age five being people of color compared to 5–10% in the oldest age groups.
As Boomers die, immigrants propel Minnesota's population growth — MinnPost
Minnesota has the fifth highest rate of refugee resettlement in the nation, with nearly 3,000 refugees resettled in 2024, facilitated by faith-based organizations such as Lutheran Social Service and Catholic Charities, contributing to demographic changes and population growth in the Twin Cities area.
The past, present, and future of immigration in Minnesota — MN Compass
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time