Travelers who rely on Interstate 394 should prepare for extended disruptions as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) launches a major construction project later this month.
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Construction on I-394 will mean lane and ramp closures for most of the year.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start a long-term project on Feb. 22. It will last into November.
Work along the corridor — stretching from downtown Minneapolis to Highway 100 in Golden Valley — is expected to reshape traffic patterns for much of 2026, particularly for westbound commuters.
The work will include a closure over the weekend beginning Feb. 27, as well as extended lane and ramp closures along westbound I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 in Golden Valley, per an announcement from the MnDOT.
Starting Feb. 22, drivers will see that stretch of I-394 reduced to two lanes in each direction, with E-ZPass lanes temporarily operating as general traffic lanes to accommodate shifting volumes.
Starting Feb. 22, that stretch of I-394 will be reduced to two lanes, with E-ZPass lanes operating as regular lanes. The work will also close the Penn Avenue bridge over I-394 through November.
The Penn Avenue bridge closure will remain in place for the duration of the project, impacting local access in neighborhoods near Golden Valley and west Minneapolis. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours.
I-394 near downtown Minneapolis has long been a critical commuter corridor, connecting the western suburbs to the urban core and linking with major routes including I-94 and Highway 100.
In addition to the ongoing lane reductions, MnDOT has scheduled a complete shutdown of I-394 in both directions for one weekend.
Additionally, I-394 will be closed in both directions from I-94 to Highway 100 from 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, until 5 a.m. on March 2. Here's a look at the detours.
During that closure window, crews will complete work that cannot be safely performed under live traffic conditions. Detour routes will direct drivers to nearby highways, including I-94 and Highway 100, depending on direction of travel.
Many ramps will also be closed until mid-summer, including westbound I-394 to Park Place Blvd., eastbound I-94 to westbound I-394, Lyndale Avenue to westbound I-394, and westbound I-394 to Penn Avenue, among other alterations.
These ramp closures are expected to create congestion at alternative interchanges and surface streets, particularly during weekday rush hours.
The project is aimed at safety improvements along the highway and ramps, as well as extending the life of 34 bridges along the corridor.
According to MnDOT, the upgrades will address aging infrastructure, repair pavement, improve drainage and enhance overall roadway safety. Many of the bridges along I-394 date back several decades and require rehabilitation to prevent more costly replacements in the future.
Extending the life of 34 bridges represents a significant infrastructure investment and is part of Minnesota’s broader strategy to maintain critical transportation corridors without requiring full reconstruction.
Other alterations and closures can be found throughout the roadwork on the MnDOT project page.
While drivers may face months of inconvenience, transportation officials say the improvements are intended to reduce long-term maintenance disruptions and enhance traffic flow across the corridor.
I-394 serves thousands of daily commuters traveling between downtown Minneapolis and suburbs such as Golden Valley, St. Louis Park and Plymouth. The corridor also plays a key role in freight movement and regional connectivity.
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MnDOT advises motorists to:
The project is scheduled to continue through November, aligning with Minnesota’s typical construction season before winter weather limits roadway work.
When complete, officials say drivers can expect smoother pavement, safer ramps and structurally improved bridges — upgrades designed to keep I-394 functioning efficiently for years to come.
Originally reported by Dustin Nelson in Brinng Me The News.
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