Attention west metro drivers: Get ready for more road construction on I-394 and Highway 12

If you happen to be one of the many drivers who take I-394 west out of downtown Minneapolis, you already know what it's like navigating the closures and detours.

Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Nathan Bowie says right now people are using the HOV lane as crews fix bridges on the main road going west, which he says then will switch over to the eastbound side in July.

Several ramps will also be closed along the way.

"We are creating some new lanes, some auxiliary lanes, to help folks better merge on and merge off in that area," says Bowie. "But unfortunately, in the meantime, that is closing some ramps at Louisiana and Xenia."

Bowie says there will be restrictions and detours all along 394, and it will go all the way out to Minnetonka and Wayzata where 394 transitions into Highway 12.

"We are doing a major pavement preservation project," Bowie explains. "We have not been out to that area since 2008 to repair that pavement, which is in great need of repair."

He says they are asking people to be patient and give workers plenty of room while trying to get around.

Most of the projects are expected to last until November. You can find more information on road conditions and ongoing projects at 511MN.org.

Current

Lane closures

Mon, June 1 through Mon, June 15

• Westbound Hwy 12 is reduced to one lane between Carlson Pkwy. and Gleason Lake Rd.

Mon, April 20 through November

• Hwy 12 is reduced to two lanes in both directions between Gleason Lake Rd. and I-494
• Expect intermittent overnight lane closures on Hwy 12 in both directions between Shoreline Dr. and I-494

Mon, May 18 through November

• Hwy 12 will alternate directions reduced to one lane between Shoreline Dr. (Co. Rd. 15) and Gleason Lake Rd. A moveable barrier system will be used to shift lane closures to provide more lanes for traffic during peak travel periods and keep motorists moving during construction:
  • Weekdays from approximately 8 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Westbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to one lane, eastbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to two lanes
  • Weekdays from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Eastbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to one lane, westbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to two lanes
  • Weekends: Eastbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to one lane, westbound Hwy 12 will be reduced to two lanes; this configuration may change pending traffic volume and needs.

Ramp closures

Wed, June 10 through Sun, June 14

• The ramp from westbound I-394 to northbound I-494 is closed
  • Detour: Southbound I-494 loop, to eastbound I-394 loop, to northbound I-494 loop (PNG)

Thu, June 4 through early July

• The ramp from Gleason Lake Rd. (Co. Rd. 15) to eastbound Hwy 12 is closed
  • Detour: Wayzata Blvd. to Central Ave. (Co. Rd. 101) to eastbound Hwy 12 (PNG)

Through mid-summer

• Westbound Hwy 12 to Shoreline Dr. (Co. Rd. 15)
  • Detour: Wayzata Blvd, to Ferndale Rd. to Shoreline Dr. (PNG)
• The following ramps are closed:
  • Westbound Hwy 12 to Central Ave. (Co. Rd. 101)
    • Detour: Gleason Lake Rd. to Wayzata Blvd. to Central Ave (PNG)
  • Central Ave. (Co. Rd. 101) to westbound Hwy 12
    • Detour: Eastbound Hwy 12 to I-494 to westbound Hwy 12 (PNG)