Traffic & Transit

I-494 'Is Going to Be Jacked This Weekend'

Here's what you need to know if you live or travel in the Twin Cities south metro.

(Google Streetview)

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Motorists traveling on Interstate 494 in Mendota Heights, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights should plan on major delays for the third weekend in a row as both directions of I-494 will have lane and ramp closures beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.

"494 is going to be jacked this weekend," the Mendota Heights Police Department noted on Facebook.

The left lane of eastbound I-494 between I-35E and Highway 62/Old Highway 110 will close beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 as crews set up the movable barrier in order to pave westbound I-494.

Find out what's happening in Eaganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Several ramps between Highway 52 and I-35E will close beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, including:

  • Highway 3 to westbound I-494
  • Dodd Road to and from westbound I-494
  • Westbound I-494 to I-35E also will close when crews are present
  • Westbound I-494 to Highway 52
  • Northbound Highway 52 to westbound I-494 and westbound Highway 62

Crews will then reduce westbound I-494 to a single lane between Highway 52 and I-35E by 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, according to a news release.

Find out what's happening in Eaganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12.

The closure is needed as crews resurface the road.

I-494/I-35E ramp closure

The eastbound I-494 ramp to northbound I-35E and the southbound I-35E ramp to eastbound I-494 will close for 42 days beginning Thursday, Aug. 15.

Motorists should follow the signed detour using southbound I-35E and Lone Oak Road to access northbound I-35E and eastbound I-494.

The closures are needed as crews replace bridge joints between the ramps on eastbound I-494.

Residents who live near this area of I-494 may hear noise as crews work around the clock to remove pavement, set barrier and pave the road.

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.

During the two-year project, motorists can expect 14 full or partial closures of I-494. Work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2020, weather permitting.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.