Minnesota drivers should prepare for another week of roadwork, overnight highway closures, and detours that could affect daily commutes and longer trips. From Interstate 94 in Minneapolis to Interstate 35 in Duluth and ongoing construction in Burnsville, crews are carrying out maintenance and infrastructure improvements across the state. Some closures will last only a few hours overnight, while other projects will bring temporary lane restrictions throughout the week. Knowing where these changes are happening can help motorists avoid unnecessary delays and plan their routes more effectively.
I-94 Will Close Overnight at the Lowry Hill Tunnel in Minneapolis
Drivers traveling through Minneapolis after dark should plan for overnight closures at the Lowry Hill Tunnel on Interstate 94. The Minnesota Department of Transportation scheduled the closures for Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, with the highway shut in both directions from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning. Crews will clean the tunnel and perform maintenance work, including removing accumulated debris and repairing guardrails. These tasks help maintain visibility and safety for motorists using the busy urban highway.
During the closures, westbound I-94 traffic will follow a detour using the Hennepin Avenue and Lyndale Avenue South exit before returning to the interstate. Eastbound traffic will use the Lyndale Avenue South exit to rejoin I-94. Several connecting ramps will also close, including the northbound I-35W ramp to westbound I-94, the Highway 55 ramp to eastbound I-94, and the eastbound I-394 ramp to eastbound I-94. Drivers should allow additional travel time, watch for temporary signs, and check current traffic information before leaving. All work remains weather-dependent.
I-35 Will Close Overnight in Duluth for Bridge Work
A late-night drive through Duluth will require extra planning on Wednesday, October 14, when Interstate 35 closes in both directions for overhead work on a pedestrian bridge just south of Mesaba Avenue. The closure is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Wednesday and continue until 5 a.m. Thursday, October 15. Crews are working on the pedestrian bridge as part of a project expected to continue through the end of October. Completing overhead work requires a full highway closure to protect workers and motorists from potential hazards.
During the overnight shutdown, vehicle traffic will be detoured along I-535 to Garfield Avenue, Railroad Street, and Fifth Avenue West. Drivers who regularly use I-35 to travel through Duluth should review the alternate route before setting out, particularly if they are heading to work early Thursday morning. The closure is temporary, but motorists should not assume the highway will remain open simply because traffic is light late at night. Drivers should follow posted detour signs and check for updates in case weather or construction conditions change the schedule.
Highway 19 Near Franklin Will Have Short Traffic Stops
Motorists traveling along Highway 19 west of Franklin should prepare for brief interruptions throughout the workweek. From Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, Xcel Energy crews are scheduled to carry out utility work about two miles west of Franklin. The work will require intermittent road closures lasting approximately five minutes at a time. Although these stops are much shorter than a full highway closure, they could still affect drivers traveling through the area during busy periods.
The temporary restrictions are intended to give utility crews enough time to complete their work safely. Drivers should be prepared to stop when directed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and remain alert for workers and equipment near the roadway. Because the interruptions are expected to be brief, motorists may not need a lengthy detour, but leaving a little extra time is sensible if they have an appointment or a tight schedule. The work is weather-dependent, so the timing could change if conditions prevent crews from completing their tasks as planned.
Western Avenue Will Close Near Highway 210 in Fergus Falls
A construction project near the Highway 210 and Interstate 94 interchange will temporarily affect Western Avenue in Fergus Falls beginning Tuesday, October 13. The closure involves the southern junction of Western Avenue, just south of Highway 210, where crews plan to install underground pipe across the roadway. The work forms part of a larger interchange improvement project designed to update the highway layout and improve traffic flow around the junction.
Crews planned to establish the detour on Monday evening, with the full closure beginning Tuesday morning and continuing through Wednesday, potentially extending into Thursday depending on weather and construction progress. Western Avenue traffic will be redirected to Kennedy Park Road. Drivers should note that the closure is limited to the Western Avenue junction, so motorists traveling east or west along Highway 210 are not expected to be affected by this particular restriction. Anyone who uses Western Avenue to reach nearby businesses or residential areas should check the detour signs and allow additional time. The schedule remains subject to change as work progresses.
Highway 12 Construction Continues in Wayzata and Minnetonka
Drivers in the western Twin Cities suburbs should continue to expect construction-related traffic changes along Highway 12 in Wayzata and Minnetonka. MnDOT’s broader project involves rebuilding, repairing, and resurfacing portions of the highway between Shoreline Drive in Wayzata and Interstate 494 in Minnetonka. The work is intended to improve the road’s condition and extend the useful life of pavement that has not received major improvements in many years. Construction is scheduled to continue into November, so drivers should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and ramp restrictions.
The project has included overnight work, lane reductions, and ramp closures at different points along the corridor. These changes can affect how motorists enter or leave the highway, even when the main route remains open. Drivers should pay close attention to temporary signs and avoid relying on familiar turning movements without checking the current layout. Because specific restrictions can change as crews move between work areas, it is best to consult MnDOT’s current project updates before traveling through Wayzata or Minnetonka. Motorists should also reduce speed near workers and allow more time during peak commuting hours.
I-35W Construction Will Continue to Affect Burnsville Drivers
Commuters using Interstate 35W through Burnsville should prepare for overnight lane restrictions and ongoing ramp closures as crews continue highway and bridge work. The project covers the stretch between Cliff Road and the I-35, I-35E, and I-35W split. On Monday night, October 12, southbound I-35W is scheduled to narrow to one lane between Cliff Road and the split. On Tuesday night, October 13, northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the corresponding area. On Wednesday night, October 14, both directions are scheduled to narrow to one lane overnight.
These restrictions are part of a larger construction effort that has already changed access to several ramps in the area. Some closures are expected to remain in place through October, while lane restrictions will continue through the fall. Drivers should pay particular attention to ramp signs, as familiar exits and connections may not be available. MnDOT lists alternate routes for affected movements, including detours using nearby highways and local roads. Because overnight schedules can change with weather and construction progress, motorists should check current conditions before leaving and allow extra time for trips through Burnsville.
