2 major stretches of I-94 to close in the east metro this weekend

It’s going to be a difficult weekend if you need to travel in the east metro. Signs have been up all week long preparing drivers for two major shut downs along Interstate 94.

In St. Paul, I-94 is set to close in both directions between Highway 280 and I-35E starting at 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. Crews are in the process of reconstructing Dale Street and Ramsey County Construction Engineer Luke Lortie says the project is moving along quickly.

"With less traffic out there, MnDOT’s been willing to give us more closures on I-94 when we need it," Lortie said. "It makes it a lot safer for everybody and it’s just easier to complete the project."

The detour takes drivers along Highway 280, Highway 36, and I-35E.

I-94 is also closing in both directions at I-694/I-494 in the east metro this weekend. All four ramps at the interchange will shut down as well. Drivers will be detoured south to Tamarack Road or north to 10th Street starting at 8 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.

Come Monday morning, the ramp from I-494 southbound to Tamarack Road will shut down until late August. The following ramps remain closed through September:

• Tamarack Road to I-494 southbound
• I-494 northbound to Tamarack Road
• 10th Street to I-694 northbound