I-90 work in Austin is underway

By KAALTV

(MnDOT) – Interstate 90 motorists will encounter lane closures through Austin beginning Sept. 5 as construction crews build median crossover lanes to prepare for the start of a three-year bridge construction project in 2024, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 

The MnDOT contractor will be building three crossover lanes in the median through Austin. The left lanes of eastbound and westbound I-90 will be closed to allow crews to safely work. Work is expected to be completed in early October. Motorists will have access to all off- and on-ramps.

Preparing for 2024 construction:

There are six sites along I-90 in Austin that have bridges that are scheduled to be replaced or repaired from 2024 to 2026. A bridge at 11th Dr. NE was replaced in 2017 and a bridge at 28th St. NE was replaced in 2021.

Oakland Ave. W / Hwy 105

A new bridge will be constructed at Oakland Ave. (Hwy 105) over I-90. Hwy 105 will be closed during construction. A detour will be provided using 14th St. The new bridge will include a wide walkway, which will connect to a future city/county trail. This construction is currently scheduled for 2024. View the proposed design.

2024-2025
 
4th St. / Co. Rd. 45

A new interchange will be constructed to replace the current interchange. The new layout will provide for safer walkway crossings of I-90 and improved traffic flow. 4th St. will be closed for construction starting in the fall of 2024 and through the majority of the 2025 construction season. 14th St. will be used as the detour route. This construction is currently scheduled for 2024-2025. View the proposed design.

6th St.

Both I-90 bridges over 6th St. will be resurfaced along with the construction of two new highway bridges over the Cedar River. It is anticipated that the EB I-90 bridge work at the Cedar River and 6th St. will occur in the 2024 construction season and the WB I-90 bridge work at the Cedar River and 6th St. will occur in the 2025 construction season. 6th St. under I-90 will remain open during this construction. This construction is currently scheduled for 2024-2025.

2026
 
14th St. / Hwy 218 North

The two bridges at this location will be replaced by one bridge and roundabouts will be constructed at each ramp intersection with 14th St. The southbound bridge will stay open to the extent possible during construction. Short-duration detours will be provided at 4th St. This construction is currently scheduled for 2026. View the proposed design.

21st St. / Hwy 218 South

The 21st St. bridge and the south ramps will be reconstructed. The new bridge crossing will provide a wide walkway and connections to local trails. 21st St. will be closed during construction. 11th Dr. and 28th St. will be available for short detours. This construction is currently scheduled for 2026. View the proposed design.

Safety

Drivers traveling too fast and not paying attention are the main causes of work zone crashes. Follow these safe driving tips:

  • Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
  • Drive undistracted. Avoid using phones, and mobile devices, adjusting the radio – and even eating – while in work zones.
  • Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
  • Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store.
  • Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Do the zipper merge.
  • Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
  • Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
  • Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, and moving workers and vehicles.