East Metro: I-94 Traffic Switch And Lane Closures Scheduled

TWIN CITIES, MN — Motorists on Interstate 94 from Saint Paul to Maplewood will encounter lane and ramp closures over the next week as crews prepare to switch traffic to the newly paved westbound lanes. The traffic switch is necessary to allow crews to resurface all eastbound Interstate 94 lanes between Mounds Boulevard and Highway 120/Century Avenue.

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, June 23, the right lane and all ramps on westbound I-94 between Highway 120/Century Avenue and Mounds Boulevard will close. During this time, all westbound I-94 traffic will be routed to the far left lane.

The lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Saturday, June 24. Once the closures are lifted, most ramps will reopen and motorists will temporarily have three travel lanes on westbound I-94.

Long-term ramp closures

The following westbound I-94 entrance/exit ramps will be temporarily closed on Friday, June 23. These closures are necessary to maintain a safe traffic flow on I-94 during construction.

• Hudson Rd. to WB I-94 (the entrance ramp furthest east in front of 3M) closed until August.
• White Bear Ave. to WB I-94. This closure will be in place through fall 2017.

Then, at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 29, the right lane and all ramps on eastbound I-94 between Mounds Boulevard and Highway 120/Century Avenue will close. During this time, eastbound I-94 between Saint Paul and Maplewood will be reduced to a single lane of traffic. The lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Friday, June 30. After these closures are lifted, most ramps will reopen and eastbound I-94 will be set up in the traffic pattern that will be in place through August 2017, which is at least two lanes in each direction.

Note: From Saturday morning, June 24, through Thursday evening, June 29, motorists will temporarily have three lanes in each direction on I-94 while crews relocate the movable barrier for the next construction stage.

Local road lane closures

Additionally, the right lane on Highway 120/Century Avenue will close starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, June 22, from just south of I-94 to 3M/Innovation Road. for approximately three weeks. This closure is needed to provide enough work space for crews to construct the trail on the east side of the road.

Closure durations and time frames are all approximate and weather dependent, according to a news release.

The Interstate 94 reconstruction and improvement project will provide a smoother, safer, long-lasting road with better pedestrian accessibility and improved drainage capabilities. Performing periodic pavement repairs at the appropriate times can greatly increase a road’s lifespan.

The project helps ensure MnDOT’s transportation system will continue to serve the state for many years. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2017.

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