Latest news with #KentBarnard
CBS News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Portion of Interstate 94 in Twin Cities closed for weekend bridge repairs; businesses feeling impact
Many Minnesotans have heard the saying, "There are two seasons in Minnesota: winter and road construction," and this year was no different. After months of Interstate 94 being reduced to two lanes each way, spanning from Interstate 35W to just beyond the Mississippi River, a full closure in both directions between I-35W and Highway 280 is happening from 10 p.m. Friday to Monday at 5 a.m. The vital artery connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul carries between 114,000 and 167,000 vehicles per day. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the $16 million project is meant to smooth roads and repair bridges. Some drivers say it has been a huge nightmare. Kent Barnard with MnDOT says the disruption is worth it. "Number of bridges between 35W and Highway 280 that needed repairs, resurfacing done, that was important for this project," Barnard said. "We got to keep up, just keep everything in good working conditions." Local businesses are feeling the pressure. Emily Hoppenjan is the General Manager at Pizza Luce Seward and says every detour means cold pizza and delayed orders. "We've been down a couple percentage points, which is thousands of dollars for us over the summer," Hoppenjan said. MnDOT says that once this weekend's work is done, all lanes of I-94 will be open through Labor Day. Barnard says it was important to get traffic back to its normal configuration before the Minnesota State Fair began to allow for smooth travel for drivers. Construction resumes after Labor Day through the end of September. Motorists are encouraged to use the posted detour route of I-35W, Highway 36, Interstate 35E and I-94.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Expect traffic disruptions in Minneapolis, Eden Prairie this summer due to construction
Major roadwork and closures will affect traffic in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie this summer, with key routes seeing lane restrictions and detours. Both directions of Interstate 94 between Interstate 35W and Huron Boulevard will be closing this weekend for maintenance. "Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday night, the 13th, we're going to be closing ramps on I-94, from 35W and Huron Blvd. At 10, we will be shutting down both sides of the interstate," said Kent Barnard with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Starting at 9 p.m. Friday, several ramps will be closed for the weekend, including: I-94 bridge (Dartmouth Bridge) that spans the Mississippi River Riverside Ave. bridge over I-94 I-94 over Cedar Ave. I-94 over the Light Rail Transit (Blue Line) I-94 over Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave Drivers will have to detour to I-35W, Highway 36 and Interstate 35E. The road will reopen Monday at 5 a.m. "There will be delays, but if people use the alternate routes and avoid this area, the delays shouldn't be unmanageable," said Barnard. For more information on the I-94 project, detours and other relevant information, click here. In Eden Prairie, lane closures will affect Highway 212 and Highway 5 between Eden Prairie Road and Interstate 494 as crews begin erosion control work. The ramp on Mitchel Road to westbound Highway 5 will be closed starting Monday. Starting Tuesday, crews will begin resurfacing road shoulders, causing additional closures. Later in the summer, significant disruptions are expected as crews begin repairing concrete pavement, with one direction of traffic being closed at a time. For more information on the Highway 212 and Highway 5 projects, detours and other relevant information, click here. Drivers are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes. For real-time traffic conditions you can call 511 or visit their website.
