Commuters beware: expect major detours starting this weekend due to construction on I-494 in Bloomington and Richfield.
I-494 between Hwy. 100 and I-35W will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday for removal of the Xerxes Ave. Bridge. Additionally, the flowing ramps will be closed:
- Northbound I-35W to westbound I-494. Detour: Northbound I-35W to westbound Hwy 62 to southbound Hwy 100 to westbound I-494
- Westbound I-494 to southbound I-35W. Detour: Westbound I-494 to the Hwy 100 interchange to eastbound I-494 to southbound I-35W
- Southbound I-35W to westbound I-494. Detour: Westbound Hwy 62 to southbound Hwy 100 to westbound I-494
The westbound I-494 ramps to and from Penn Ave. will also be closed, with detours directing drivers to the France Ave. exit.
MnDOT says the ramps from northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 and westbound I-494 to southbound I-35W are expected to remain closed for approximately three weeks. Additionally, the ramp from southbound I-35W to westbound I-494 will remain closed until late August.
The closures are all a part of the I-494 Improvement Project. More information on the closures and the I-494 Improvement Plan can be found at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494richfield/.
