A major crash in the Lowry Hill Tunnel has closed Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. Here's what we know.
12:45 p.m. Update: MnDOT reports that eastbound traffic lanes have been reopened. Cleanup of the scene remains in the westbound lanes and westbound I-94 is expected to remain closed at the Hennepin-Lyndale exit for approximately two more hours.
The crash spilled the truck's cargo all over the tunnel which MnDOT is warning could take four or more hours to get cleaned up. There is no word on injuries at this point.
The ramp from 394 eastbound is also closed which is backing up traffic significantly around downtown Minneapolis.
Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Kent Barnard says the timing of this couldn't be worse. It's an extremely busy stretch of freeway and to have this happen on a Friday when folks are trying to get out of town to their cabins for the weekend makes it worse.
"And it did kind of break open and apparently there is hazardous cargo on that semi not sure exactly what that is," says Barnard. "We are looking at being closed on both directions of I-94 between 35W and 394 for approximately four hours. So we're looking out about 3:00 this afternoon, and that will allow crews to get in and clean up the mess and get the tunnel reopened."
Barnard encourages drivers to delay their trip if they can until everything is all cleaned up. He also says people can monitor 511mn.org for the very latest on the situation.
Westbound delays on I-94 are already reaching the 30-minute mark.
A video shot of the incident shows the trailer from the truck wrapped around the median.
Due to the closure, expect serious delays on secondary roads, especially on Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues.