All lanes open on Interstate 94 between Sauk Centre and Melrose

First construction season wraps up

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has reopened all lanes of Interstate 94 between Sauk Centre and Melrose as crews wrap up the first season of bridge work over the Sauk River. Traffic is now back to normal operations in both directions, and all temporary median crossovers have been removed.

This year’s work focused on repairs and updates to the two eastbound I-94 bridges. Crews completed new concrete wearing courses, approach panels, concrete joints, drainage improvements and guardrail upgrades.

Work operations will pause for winter and resume in spring 2027. Motorists should use 511mn.org for current road conditions over winter.

2027 construction season

In spring, MnDOT will return to remove and fully reconstruct the two westbound I‑94 bridges over the Sauk River. Similar to this season, crews will install temporary median crossovers to maintain traffic during construction. Motorists should expect single‑lane, head‑to-head traffic, 24/7, at each bridge.

Additional details about 2027 traffic impacts will be shared before work begins.
When all four bridges are completed in fall 2027, travelers will experience smoother and safer bridge surfaces, reduced long-term maintenance needs, and improved freight movement along I-94.

Visit the project webpage for more information: www.mndot.gov/d3/i94/sauk-river/.
For more information on projects in central Minnesota, go to mndot.gov/d3/projects, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/MnDOTcentral.

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