BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — I-494 is an important path for many motorists, but with construction now in its second year of causing congestion and slowdowns, drivers are probably wondering when the work will be wrapping up.
Construction on the $377 million project started in the spring of 2023, going from East Bush Lake Road to Highway 77 in Bloomington, by the airport and Mall of America. Immediately east of that roadwork is the $62 million Minnesota River bridge project, happening in Bloomington, Eagan and Mendota Heights.
MnDOT is constructing E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from Highway 100 to I-35W in both directions. Crews are also adding a new ramp at the I-35W and I-494 interchange. Bridges at Portland Avenue, Nicollet Avenue, and 12th Avenue will be replaced, and MnDOT says a new pedestrian bridge is being added at Chicago Avenue.
So when will it all be complete? According to MnDOT, the construction in Bloomington is scheduled to be done in the fall of 2026. Construction on the Minnesota River Bridge portion should be done a little earlier in the summer of 2026.
MnDOT says the E-ZPass lanes and new ramp should address traffic congestion on the interstate, and new bridges at Portland, Nicollet and 12th will be wider and better able to accommodate traffic. Plans are also in the works for building noise and retaining walls, replacing lighting and signage, and repairing bridges at France and Penn Avenues.
As for I-494 over the Minnesota River, MnDOT says the 43-year-old bridge is in need of "major repairs" and once work is done, travelers will "enjoy a smoother safer road."
