Construction resumes: Interstate 94 Gap project—Albertville to Monticello
Crews to expand eastbound in 2026
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Travelers should plan for roadwork and delays on Interstate 94 between Albertville and Monticello as the Minnesota Department of Transportation resumes its third and final year of construction on the I-94 Gap project Tuesday, April 7.
In 2025, crews widened and reconstructed the westbound road surface, replaced underground drainage structures and built a new westbound bridge over Wright County Road 19 in Albertville. This year, MnDOT will expand eastbound I-94 to three lanes from County Road 19 in Albertville to Highway 25 in Monticello.
Crews will reconstruct the road surface, replace or repair underground drainage structures, and install a noise wall along eastbound I-94 just west of County Road 18 in Monticello.
What motorists can expect through the 2026 work zone:
- April 7-21: Periodic single-lane closures on both directions of I-94 as crews set up the work zone and concrete barrier. Lane closures will occur at off-peak hours, mainly overnight between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Watch for workers and flashing equipment, especially at night when sight distances lessen.
- April 21-late October: I-94 will remain open to two lanes each way on the adjacent new westbound side as crews work on the eastbound side between Albertville and Monticello.
- Pay attention and be prepared for changes—lane shifts, no shoulders, concrete barriers between eastbound and westbound traffic, real-time travel displays ahead of the work zone, multiple crews at work, changes to local access and reduced speeds
- Consider alternate routes or travel at off-peak hours to avoid delays
- If a crash occurs and I-94 closes, use nearest exit and follow alternate route signs
- Know before you go. For current road impacts on I-94, visit 511mn.org
MnDOT realizes driving through a two-lane, head-to-head traffic setup with limited shoulders isn’t easy. Your continued support means a lot as we work together to close the gap on this stretch of I-94 for everyone.
When all six lanes open in late October 2026, the $76 million Corridors of Commerce-funded project will provide a smoother ride, extend the life of the interstate, improve freight access, increase capacity, reduce bottle necks, support area growth and enhance motorist safety along I-94 in Wright County.
For more information and to sign up for construction email updates, visit the I-94 Gap project web page at www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/i94gap/.
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