I-494 Closures Scheduled For Eagan, Mendota Heights

EAGAN, MN — Motorists traveling on Interstate 494 in Mendota Heights and Eagan should plan for delays as crews will close several lanes and ramps in both directions of I-494 beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10:

• Westbound I-494 between Dodd Road and Highway 55 will be reduced to two lanes Sunday, April 12 through June 1. Westbound traffic will use the eastbound lanes of I-494, which will be reconfigured to accommodate traffic heading both directions.
• Eastbound I-494 entrance ramp from Pilot Knob Road will close at 8 p.m. Friday, April 10 through 8 a.m. Saturday, April 11.
• Northbound I-35E ramp to westbound I-494 will close Friday, April 10 through June 1. Motorists will be detoured around the closure via northbound I-35E, Highway 62/Old Highway 110 and southbound I-35E to westbound I-494.
• Westbound I-494 ramp to southbound I-35E will close at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 through May 11.

All scheduled reopening dates for the lanes and ramps are weather dependent. Residents who live near this area of I-494 may hear the noise as crews work around the clock in order to set a barrier.

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The lane and ramp closures are part of a larger project on I-494 to repave the road, update drainage and repair seven bridges on an eight-mile stretch I-494 between the Minnesota River and Third Avenue in South St. Paul.

This is the second year of a two-year project. Motorists can expect several full or partial closures of I-494. Work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2020, weather permitting.

"MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Walz’s Stay at Home executive order and will continue," the department said in a statement.

"We are working to be as flexible as possible with scheduling during this period of lower traffic volumes to keep projects moving forward in a timely manner. Following guidance from state health officials and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working."