Two westbound I-90 ramps, bridge set to reopen May 22 in Austin
AUSTIN, Minn. – Westbound Interstate 90 motorists in Austin will see openings of two traffic ramp and a bridge on Friday, May 22, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Construction crews will be opening the westbound I-90 off-ramp at 4th St NW, the on-ramp at 6th St NE, and the westbound Cedar River bridge. Additionally, traffic will be moved back into their regular lanes. The openings are the result of the completion of the westbound I-90 bridge over the Cedar River, which had a work zone that kept the ramps closed for worker and motorist safety.
The openings are expected mid-afternoon on Friday on westbound I-90. The left lanes of eastbound and westbound traffic will be closed, but the right lanes will be open in each direction to allow for exits and merging onto the highway.
This the third year of the Austin I-90 bridges project where bridges are being replaced or repaired at six sites along I-90 in Austin. The Highway 218 north bridge at 14th St NW and the Highway 218 south bridge 21st St. NE are both being replaced. Detours are in place for traffic affected by the work. Work is expected to be completed in the fall of this year.
For more information or to sign up for project updates, visit the project website.
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 other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
- Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us at MnDOT Southeast on X.
- Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota
###