Eastbound I-90 lane, ramps reopen in Austin as Cedar River bridge completed
AUSTIN, Minn. – Eastbound Interstate 90 traffic lanes and ramps reopened today, Dec. 21, in Austin as crews finished construction of a replacement bridge over the Cedar River, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The opening of traffic in an eastbound lane also opens the off- and on-ramps at Fourth Street Northwest and Sixth Street Northwest. The Fourth Street bridge over I-90 was demolished last month and the crossing remains closed.
The westbound I-90 off-ramp at Fourth Street Northwest (Exit 178A) is closed. Motorists are detoured to the 14th Street Northwest/Highway 218 north exit (Exit 177). The westbound on-ramp at Fourth Street remains open.
It’s all part of the first-year work for the Austin I-90 bridges project. The eastbound Cedar River bridge is the second bridge to be completed in the project. The bridge at Hwy 105/Oakland Avenue was completed earlier this year as part of the $50 million, three-year construction project at six sites in Austin.
Detours in place
The westbound I-90 off-ramp at Fourth Street (Exit 178A) continues to be closed and detoured to 14th Street Northwest, Exit 177. You can reach businesses and destinations on either side of the interstate. If you have another route on a public road and your vehicle is allowed to travel on it, you’re welcome to take that route to reach your destination. The westbound I-90 on-ramp at Fourth Street remains open.
Winter work continues
Construction continues on the Fourth Street Northwest bridge this winter. Crews have been preparing the site to build abutments and other structures at the interchange. In the new year, crews will place the beams and pour the concrete bridge deck. Additional work is planned at the site for retaining wells and reconstruction of ramps. The new bridge will be open by November 2025.
Here is a rundown of the construction work at the six sites from 2024-2026:
- Oakland Avenue West (Highway 105), replace in 2024. Bridge opened to traffic on Oct. 18.
- I-90 over Sixth Street Northeast, repairs. Eastbound completed in 2024. Westbound work planned in 2025.
- I-90 over Cedar River, replacements. Eastbound done in 2024. Westbound work planned in 2025.
- Fourth Street Northwest, replace in 2024-2025, detours started in May.
- 14th Street Northwest (Highway 218 north), replace in 2026.
- 21st Street Northeast (Highway 218 south), replace in 2026.
To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – 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 www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone 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.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
- Search job openings at the Minnesota Management and Budget website and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
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