ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is implementing a significant traffic shift on Interstate 94 in Lakeland, Washington County, starting May 22. This change is part of the ongoing I-94 Oakdale to Lakeland construction project and is designed to alleviate current traffic congestion and enhance travel efficiency for motorists.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, drivers on I-94 between the Highway 95/St. Croix Trail interchange and the middle of the St. Croix River bridge will experience overnight lane reductions. Traffic in both directions will be constricted to a single lane until 5 a.m. on Thursday, May 23. During this period, construction crews will execute a traffic shift, moving both lanes of traffic onto mainline I-94. This adjustment will eliminate the need for motorists to utilize the Highway 95/St. Croix Trail ramps as part of their through travel lanes, streamlining the traffic pattern. Furthermore, MnDOT will reopen Highway 95/St. Croix Trail underneath the I-94 bridges, and the ramp from southbound Highway 35 to westbound I-94 in Wisconsin, improving local connectivity.
Following the Memorial Day holiday, additional ramp closures will be necessary to allow crews to complete pavement resurfacing in the area. These closures are scheduled as follows:
- Westbound I-94 ramp to Highway 95: Closed from 5 a.m. Thursday, May 30, through the end of June. Motorists intending to use this ramp should detour via westbound I-94 to Manning Avenue, then eastbound I-94, and finally to Highway 95/St. Croix Trail. This detour will be clearly signed by MnDOT.
- Highway 95/St. Croix Trail ramp to eastbound I-94: Closed from 5 a.m. Friday, May 31, through the end of June. Drivers seeking to access eastbound I-94 from Highway 95/St. Croix Trail can use a detour route of St. Croix Trail to westbound I-94, then Manning Ave., and finally eastbound I-94. MnDOT will ensure clear signage for this detour as well.
MnDOT emphasizes that all construction activities and related traffic impacts are subject to weather conditions and may be adjusted if necessary. The department urges all motorists traveling through the work zone to exercise heightened awareness, drive with extra caution, and adhere to reduced speeds in areas where construction personnel are present. Your safety and the safety of the workers is MnDOT’s priority.
The comprehensive I-94 construction project, managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, involves resurfacing the pavement and implementing various improvements along I-94 between Highway 120/Century Avenue and the St. Croix River. This project is anticipated to continue through fall 2024. The overarching goals of this MnDOT initiative are to enhance safety, optimize traffic flow, and improve the overall smoothness of the driving experience for all users of this vital transportation corridor.
For detailed project information, including updates and potential schedule changes, motorists are encouraged to visit the official project webpage at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i94oakdale-stcroix. Staying informed about these traffic changes from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will help drivers plan their routes and navigate the construction zone effectively.
