The Minnesota Department of Transportation is planning on make huge changes to Interstate 94 (I-94) between St. Michael and Rogers as soon as Monday evening as construction crews put the finishing touches on the new westbound lanes and sound wall.
According to an update issued over the weekend:
The new roadway for the future westbound I-94 between Highway 101 in Rogers and Hwy 241 in St. Michael is nearly complete, and the I-94 reconstruction project in Rogers and St. Michael is about to “enter its next stage.”
Monday, July 20, crews will begin closing the existing lanes on the eastbound side of I-94, and shift them to temporary lanes on the westbound side of the road. If all goes as planned, crews will first shift the westbound lanes sometime after 7 p.m. Monday, July 20. They’ll shift the eastbound lanes overnight the next night, beginning after 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. Of course, there will be ramp changes as well.
Here’s what you can expect after the traffic switch is complete:
- All four lanes of I-94 between Minnesota Highway 101 in Rogers and Minnesota Highway 241 in St. Michael will remain on narrow, temporary lanes with a reduced 60 mph speed limit through mid/late-October.
- The existing ramp from Highway 241 to eastbound I-94 will close. A temporary loop from Highway 241 to eastbound I-94 will open. Attention St. Michael/Otsego motorists: If you travel from Highway 241 to eastbound I-94, you should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during peak traffic periods. Congestion is expected on Highway 241, especially during morning rush hours. Traffic coming from Otsego westbound to the 94 interchange will also see backups on Wright County Highway 36.
- The ramp from eastbound I-94 to Highway 101 in Rogers will change a wee bit. The existing ramp will remain in use, but you’ll also have to navigate a temporary crossover to reach that ramp.
- The permanent ramp from westbound I-94 to Highway 241 in St. Michael will open. Please navigate with care as there will be a shorter distance to slow, stop and react after the existing, immensely long, temporary deceleration lane and ramp will also be removed.
- Get the map.
As with any construction, the schedule is dependent on weather and a few hundred other factors, and should be considered “tentative” until the changes actually occur.