I-90 Austin traffic changes begin May 28 for Cedar River, 6th Street bridge construction
AUSTIN, Minn. – Interstate 90 motorists in Austin will experience changes in traffic beginning May 28 as crews begin construction on the westbound Cedar River and 6th Street bridges, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Westbound I-90 traffic will be moved into the eastbound lanes where vehicles will travel in single lanes in both directions adjacent to each other. The traffic ramps affected by this change are:
- Fourth Street Northwest: Westbound off-ramp (Exit 178A) and on-ramp are closed and detoured; eastbound ramps are open at this time but will eventually close.
- Detour for westbound off- and on-ramps are the next exit (Exit 177) at Highway 218 north/14th Street Northwest.
- Sixth Street Northeast: Westbound off-ramp is open (Exit 178B); westbound on-ramp is closed and detoured; eastbound ramps are open.
- Detour for westbound on-ramp is to travel eastbound on I-90, exit at Exit 179 (11th Drive NE), cross over and return to westbound I-90.
Here is a listing of other interchanges through Austin and their status:
- Highway 218 south (Exit 180B), all ramps open
- 11th Drive Northeast (Exit 179), all ramps open
- Highway 218/14th Street Northwest (Exit 177), all ramps open
- Highway 105/Oakland Avenue (Exit 175), all ramps open
To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out upcoming MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects.
- Want to stay updated on winter driving events and closures? Sign up for our text message and email updates.
- Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us on MnDOT Southeast on X.
- Find road updates in Minnesota on 511mn.org or get a free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Search job openings and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
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