MnDOT Postpones I-494 Shutdown: New Closure Dates Announced

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN — A major closure on Interstate 494 through Inver Grove Heights has been postponed, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Originally planned for this weekend, the closure will now begin at 10 p.m. Friday, May 16, and run through 5 a.m. Monday, May 19.

During that time, I-494 will be closed in both directions between Blaine Avenue and Babcock Trail, and all Highway 52 ramps to I-494 will be shut down.

The weekend closure will allow crews to demolish the southbound Highway 52 bridge and ramps as part of a larger redevelopment project.

Detour Routes

• Westbound I-494: Drivers will detour via northbound Highway 52 to Mendota Road, then southbound Highway 52 back to westbound I-494.
• Eastbound I-494: Drivers will use southbound Highway 52 to 70th Street East, then northbound Highway 52 to return to eastbound I-494.

In addition, starting at 5 a.m. Thursday, May 15, the following ramps will close and remain closed through 6 p.m. Monday, July 21:

• Westbound I-494 to southbound Highway 52
• Southbound Highway 52 to eastbound I-494

These extended closures will allow for bridge redecking and ramp paving on Highway 52 over I-494, transit officials said.

After May 19, traffic will be moved to a head-to-head pattern on the northbound Highway 52 bridge between Upper 55th Street and Mendota Road/Southview Boulevard, according to authorities.

All construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change, MnDOT notes. Motorists are urged to drive with caution and reduce speed in work zones.