Transit users in the west metro may need to consult maps and schedules as Metro Transit introduces service changes on routes serving St. Louis Park's West End and the I-394 corridor. The changes on express and local routes 9, 25, 604, 649 and 675 go into effect Saturday. They are aimed addressing growing employment and residential needs, changing travel patterns and new demographics, the transit agency said.
On the roads, MnDOT has canceled a planned weekend closure on I-94 from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center. But drivers will find plenty of other closures and detours across the metro.
The biggest traffic jams may form on Hwy. 169 south of Shakopee with opening of the Renaissance Festival. The Twins have games at Target Field Saturday and Sunday. The Saints play at CHS Field in St. Paul Saturday and Sunday. The Xcel Energy Center hosts a Lynx game Friday and a concert Saturday.
Police statewide will be looking for drunken drivers as a two-week enforcement campaign kicks off. It runs through Labor Day.
Interstate 94 in Minneapolis and St. Paul
1. I-94 from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center: All vehicles over 9,000 pounds are prohibited from the Lowry Hill Tunnel. The freeway is reduced to two lanes in each direction on the westbound side of the tunnel. Ramps from east I-394 to east I-94, east I-94 to south I-35W, north I-35W to west I-94 west, Hwy. 55 to east I-94 and 49th Avenue to east I-94. One lane on the ramp from east 94 to 4th Street is closed.
2. I-94 from St. Paul to Maplewood: Eastbound has one lane set aside for through traffic while one lane is for drivers who want to access local streets. Lane and restrictions and ramp closures between Century Avenue and Mounds Boulevard.
Minneapolis
3. Cedar and Portland avenues: Closed between 28th and Lake streets.
East Metro
4. Hwy. 51/Snelling Avenue in Falcon Heights: Single lane in each direction between Como Avenue and Hwy. 36.
