Parts of I-494 in west metro closed, I-94 in St. Paul reopened early

Big construction projects getting underway this weekend will close some parts of major freeways in the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said it will close northbound Interstate Hwy. 494 between Interstate Hwy. 394 and Interstate Hwys. 94 and 694 for the weekend, starting at 10 p.m. Friday. That includes stretches in Minnetonka, Plymouth and Maple Grove.

They're scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.

The southbound lanes of I-494 between I-394 and I-94/694 will also close for a few hours starting at 10 p.m. Sunday.

Those lanes are also expected to reopen early Monday morning.

Once open, though, I-494 between Minnesota Hwy. 55 and I-94/694 will be reduced to just three lanes through the fall. During morning rush hours, there will be two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. That will switch for the evening rush hour.

Meanwhile, I-94 closed in both directions in St. Paul Friday night for a weekend of utility work on the Snelling Avenue bridge. All lanes and ramps were slated to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, but I-94 opened early and traffic was visible Sunday morning.