I-90 Austin bridge, ramps reopen Oct. 18 at Hwy 105/Oakland Ave

AUSTIN, Minn. – Traffic has reopened to motorists at the Highway 105/Oakland Avenue bridge at Interstate 90 in Austin, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The ramps and bridge have been closed at Exit 175 on Austin’s west end while construction crews replaced the bridge, which was originally built in 1959. Crews have also completed the reconstruction of portions of the ramps adjacent to the new bridge. The interchange reopened to traffic Friday afternoon, Oct. 18.

The opening is a key piece to the three-year project that is replacing or repairing bridges at six sites along the I-90 corridor in Austin.

The next step in the project is the demolition of the Fourth Street Northwest bridge, which is expected to occur in early November. Later this month, MnDOT will announce traffic detour routes during the demolition, and during the construction. Construction is expected to span this season through November 2025.

Work is ongoing with the replacement of the eastbound I-90 bridge over the Cedar River. It is expected to be completed this season and will reopen to traffic in the coming months.

Here is a rundown of the construction work at the six sites from 20240-2026:

Oakland Avenue West (Highway 105), replace in 2024, detours started in April (JPG)
I-90 over Sixth Street Northeast, rehabilitate in 2024-2025, detours started in May (JPG)
I-90 over Cedar River, replace in 2024-2025, traffic impacts started May 31
Fourth Street Northwest, replace in 2024-2025, detours started in May (JPG)
14th Street Northwest (Highway 218 north), replace in 2026
21st Street Northeast (Highway 218 south), replace in 2026

To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.

Safety in work zones

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Do the zipper merge.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

Stay connected, informed

Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.

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