Weekend Closures Set For I-494, I-35W In Richfield And Bloomington

RICHFIELD, MN — Drivers in the south metro should brace for a major weekend shutdown as the Minnesota Department of Transportation closes sections of Interstate 494 and Interstate 35W beginning Friday night.

From 10 p.m. Friday, June 27, through 5 a.m. Monday, June 30, I-494 will be closed in both directions between Highway 100 and Highway 77.

I-35W will also be closed in both directions between the I-494 interchange and Highway 62. Ramp closures in the area will begin at 8 p.m. Friday.

Crews will be removing the westbound I-494 bridge over I-35W and continuing drainage work on I-494 during the closure.

Traffic Impacts:

• Westbound I-494 detour: Hwy 77 north to Hwy 62 west to Hwy 100 south to I-494 west
• Eastbound I-494 detour: Hwy 100 north to Hwy 62 east to Hwy 77 south to I-494 east
• Northbound I-35W detour: I-494 east to Hwy 77 north to Hwy 62 west to I-35W north
• Southbound I-35W detour: Hwy 62 east to Hwy 77 south to I-35E south to I-35 south

Additional Lane Changes Begin Wednesday, June 25:

• Eastbound I-494 reduced to three lanes
• Westbound I-494 reduced to two lanes on the eastbound side from I-35W to Hwy 100
• No ramp access at I-35W, Penn Ave, France Ave, or Hwy 100
• Local access remains from the I-35W/I-494 interchange to Hwy 100

All closures are weather dependent and subject to change, MnDOT said. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and slow down in work zones.