Lowry Tunnel traffic hassles expected into April

One of the Twin Cities' worst traffic spots is about to get worse. Get ready for up to three weeks of lane reductions on Interstate 94 near the Lowry Tunnel in Minneapolis.

The eastbound half of the Lowry Tunnel near downtown Minneapolis will be cut to two lanes at 8 p.m. and one lane at 10 p.m., reopening the next morning by 6 a.m. The eastbound Interstate 394 ramp to I-94 east will also be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The lane reductions will stay in place as crews prepare to move the tunnel's traffic in both directions into the eastbound tunnel.

That's just the beginning. MnDOT is undertaking a $46.3 million project that will include work on 50 bridges as well as highways and ramps, the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

"Traffic capacity on I-94 will be reduced for much of the spring, summer and fall," the statement said. "Motorists should plan ahead, prepare for delays and pay attention in work zones."

Traffic restrictions will change over the course of the project, and MnDOT is posting updates here.