I-394 work, delays flipping to other side

Construction on eastbound Interstate 394 heading into Minneapolis will slow commuters through mid-August starting Monday.

Drivers heading east on I-394 between Hwy. 100 and Interstate 94 should expect "significant traffic delays," according to the ­Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), as motorists are diverted to the two high-occupancy lanes.

Metro Transit said the closure would affect 15 bus lines, and that delays are likely.

The changes are a part of MnDOT's $11 million in improvements that started in June.

The eastbound I-394 main lanes along this stretch will stay closed for about two weeks.

Construction along this span also means closure of some ramps, including eastbound I-394 to Penn Avenue, Penn Avenue to eastbound I-394 and northbound Hwy. 100 to eastbound I-394.

MnDOT recommends that drivers heading north on Hwy. 100 continue to eastbound Hwy. 55. Drivers traveling south on Hwy. 100 to eastbound I-394 will take the high-occupancy ramps.

As MnDOT re-decks the Lyndale Avenue bridge over the Dunwoody/Hennepin exit, the bridge will remain closed through September. Drivers will be redirected to Dunwoody Boulevard to access westbound I-394 and to Hennepin Avenue, 11th Street and Linden Avenue to avoid the road closure and get back on Lyndale.

Construction crews also are resurfacing Wayzata Boulevard on the north and south side of I-394. Drivers should plan accordingly for traffic buildup on the boulevard between Penn and France avenues.