Latest news with #MnDOT
CBS News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
E-ZPass lanes on I-394 close in both directions through November
Both directions of the E-ZPass lanes on I-394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100 closed July 27 until November. During that time, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says its crews will work on repairing bridges and ramps. Drivers WCCO spoke with, are frustrated with another big interstate closure. "It's actually terrible for people to commute, really during rush hour," said Jammah Olben, "I use it a lot. Really when [Highway] 169 is packed I use it as a diversion to get over to I-94. I'll be impacted a lot trying to get home." Usually these major closures happen in the overnight hours when fewer people are on the roads, but not this time. The closure of the E-ZPass lanes in both directions will be enforced at all hours until November. MnDOT says this is part of a larger two-year plan to repair 34 bridges between Interstates 394 and 94. MnDOT also says there will be some overnight lane closures on the same stretch during the next four months. MnDOT currently has 46 road construction projects happening in the Twin Cities metro, including this one. "To get from our house down to St. Paul, I allowed 3.5 hours depending on the time of day," said Jeff Zuckerman jokingly. Zuckerman lives in the Minneapolis neighborhood of Bryn Mawr, off the Penn Avenue exit in the heart of the closure. Drivers will certainly have to pack more patience on the roads until the snow flies again. "You just gotta deal with that, whatever. They're doing it to fix the road for another 5 or 10 years, and they can't do any work in the winter," said Zuckerman. "There's nothing I can do about it. My patience is tested every day. The heat right now is testing my patience," said Olben.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
At least 1 hurt in multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-35W in Arden Hills, state patrol says
Traffic is backed up on the northbound side of Interstate 35W Thursday morning in the north Twin Cities metro after a multi-vehicle crash. MnDOT traffic cameras show a speeding car in the far left lane clip another vehicle near County Road I, causing a smoky spinout. The Minnesota State Patrol says at least one person suffered minor injuries in the collision. This story will be updated.
CBS News
21-07-2025
- CBS News
Minneapolis' Stone Arch Bridge reopens Monday, months ahead of schedule
An iconic Minneapolis landmark undergoing construction has reopened months ahead of schedule. The Stone Arch Bridge closed in April 2024 and was originally scheduled to open in spring 2026. Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it would open on Aug. 9 but officials then said that the bridge would open on Monday. Crews were working to repair stone and motor to slow the bridge's deterioration. During construction, pedestrians were able to go to the middle of the bridge, but had to turn around at the closure point. Gov. Tim Walz, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will announce the reopening of the bridge on Monday at 2 p.m. There will also be a family-friendly event to celebrate the reopening on Aug. 9 featuring food trucks, live entertainment and more. The bridge was built in 1883 as a railroad project, bringing 80 passenger trains a day to downtown Minneapolis at its peak, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Hennepin County bought the bridge for $1,001 in 1989 and ownership of the bridge transferred to the state in the 90s, when it was converted into a pedestrian bridge.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
MnDOT answers your summer road construction questions
Minnesotans say there are two seasons in the state: winter and road construction. This year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has more summer projects, and motorists are weighing in with their displeasure on social media and to some lawmakers. All the delays have many wondering if MnDOT could handle these projects differently. One big question: Why are there often only a few workers — if any — on construction sites? Anne Meyer with MnDOT says it depends on the stage of that project. "There is a lot of work that can't necessarily happen all at once. Things need to settle, we need to test things to make sure that it's the right projects that we are paying for," said Meyer. She said work happens in a limited window due to weather. "Here in Minnesota, weather does impact when we can start construction and when we can end construction, and sometimes dictates what we can do in between," she said. Lawmakers are also asking questions about the flood of construction projects, including Republican state Rep. Andrew Myers, who represents the western suburbs. He wrote a letter to state transportation commissioner Nancy Daubenberger expressing concern, and asking why work isn't being done 24 hours a day on some sites. "We do have maintenance crews that are out there ready to work 24/7 a day, but that can be more challenging on a project," said Meyer. "Certainly, the costs go up. Certainly, the safety factor is another area." MnDOT encourages drivers to visit their website or use the MN511 app for the latest on construction projects and road conditions.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
St. Paul music festival to draw tens of thousands of visitors amid major road closures
A combination of major road closures, rail maintenance and a high-attendance music festival is creating a perfect storm of traffic and transit delays in the Twin Cities. This week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is preparing to close the reversible E-ZPass lanes on Interstate 394 between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. The closure, which begins the evening of July 27, is part of a two-year construction project to repair 34 bridges. "There is, you know, a few weeks of overlap where we have impacts out there," a MnDOT representative said. "So, you know... telling people to just plan ahead." The E-ZPass shutdown follows a weekend of closures along Interstate 94 east and Interstate 694 west. Officials warn that traffic volumes will be heavier during peak periods as vehicles are funneled into regular lanes. "We definitely understand the impact construction has on drivers… we're all metro residents too," the MnDOT spokesperson said. "We're really trying to balance construction's short-term pain… to get some long-term, critical improvements." Meanwhile, the Green Line light rail is temporarily closed for maintenance, leaving many riders to rely on bus service, often in uncomfortable heat. "It'd be hot. And it's getting way hotter than what it usually be," said Jayon Brady, who normally takes the train. "The train was better money-wise, if you're trying to save money and get from A to B cheaper." The closures are also affecting businesses in downtown St. Paul, where the Yacht Club Festival is expected to draw around 35,000 people over the weekend. At Allery's, a nearby bar, staff are offering free parking and running a continuous shuttle to and from the concert venue. "We have three shuttles that will be running continuously to and from the event," said Brian Raiche, a manager at Allery's. "It's free parking all weekend, too." Despite the disruptions, Raiche says they're ready for the crowds. MnDOT encourages drivers to check for updates, avoid cutting through local roads and allow extra travel time during closures. Construction on I-394 is expected to continue through fall 2026.
