The reconstruction of the 169/494 interchange takes another step forward tonight when the flyover bridge that will carry motorists from westbound 494 to southbound Hwy. 169 opens.
No time has been set, but word from MnDOT is "late Monday" well after tonight's rush, said T.K. Kramascz, director of Communications-Public Affairs for MnDOT's Metro District.
Once open, the current loop ramp performing that function will close.
The ramp is one of several being constructed as part of the $125 million project that will eliminate traffic lights and alleviate traffic snarls at one of the Twin Cities' most congested intersections.
Additional ramps, including one carrying drivers from eastbound 494 to southbound 169 and frontage roads, are expected to open soon, possibly as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. Stay tuned.
Also in the vicinity, be on alert for periodic lane closures on 494 between Prairie Center Drive and West Bush Lake Road in Eden Prairie and Bloomington, and on 169 between Valley View Road and Anderson Lake Pkwy.
Any lane closures will take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., so rush hour traffic should not be affected.
