Labor Day weekend commonly brings heavy traffic. Getaway routes are usually packed with drivers escaping for one last summer holiday. Traffic volumes tick up on urban roads leading to sporting events, concerts and the Minnesota State Fair.
If this year is anything like 2018, congestion in the Twin Cities will be at its worst from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday as travelers mix with late rush-hour commuters. That's when motorists will creep along, on average needing 3 minutes to go a mile, according to folks behind the drive safety app Drivemode.
The holiday brings a reprieve from major freeway closures, but they'll be back next weekend. Still, construction projects in progress can lead to delays. Here's where:
Minneapolis
1. I-35W: Lane reductions in both directions from 43rd Street to I-94. Ramps closed from northbound I-35W to westbound I-94 and eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W.
2. Hennepin Avenue and 8th Street: Hennepin is a single lane in each direction between 7th and 12th streets; 8th Street closed from Hennepin to S. 2nd Avenue.
East metro
3. I-494 in Oakdale and Woodbury: Lane reductions on northbound I-494 between Valley Creek Road and the I-694/I-94/I-494 junction.
4. I-494 in Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul: Nightly lane closures at the Hwy. 52 interchange. Ramp from 7th Avenue to westbound I-494 closed.
5. Hwy. 95 in Denmark Township: Both directions closed between County Road 22 and Hwy. 61.
