Upcoming I-90 Eastbound Closures and Detours in Austin Starting May 31

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Starting May 31, motorists on Interstate 90 in Austin, Minnesota, will face new traffic patterns. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that eastbound traffic will be rerouted due to the I-90 bridges project. This includes closing the eastbound off- and on-ramps at Fourth and Sixth Streets, causing detours until fall 2024.

The resurfacing of the I-90 eastbound bridge over 6th Street will start on May 31 and extend into the next year. The eastbound I-90 bridge over the Cedar River will also be replaced, beginning on June 3. During this work, eastbound lanes between Oakland Avenue and Highway 218 south will close. Traffic will be directed into the westbound lanes, sharing single lanes for both directions.

Detours for accessing 6th Street and 4th Street from I-90 eastbound will be implemented. To reach 6th Street, drivers should exit at 11th Drive, use the westbound on-ramp, and then take Exit 178B. For 4th Street, the process is similar, exiting at 11th Drive, using the westbound on-ramp, and taking Exit 178A. On-ramps from these streets will be closed, with detours directing drivers to re-enter I-90 eastbound via Highway 218 North from 14th Street NW.

The Cedar River will also be closed to all watercraft at the I-90 crossing from June 3. This is to allow the demolition of the old bridge and construction of a new one. The area will be closed to paddlers and boaters due to construction hazards. Alternative watercraft access is available upstream at Wolf Creek in Wildwood Park.