Austin I-90 ribbon cutting planned Nov. 20 for 4th Street NW bridge opening

A ceremonial ribbon cutting event will take place at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 in advance of the planned opening of the 4th Street Northwest bridge in Austin at Interstate 90, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The public is invited to attend the brief event for this milestone in the project and assist officials in snipping the ribbon to celebrate the work and the opening of this key crossing for commuters and commerce in Austin. Brief speeches from elected and MnDOT officials are planned prior to the ribbon cutting in the middle of the bridge.

If you attend, please park on the north side on the street at 16th Avenue Northwest by the Double Tree hotel and use the sidewalk to proceed to the center of the bridge. The bridge will not be open yet, but please watch for traffic as crews put the finishing touches on the site.

This is Year 2 of a three-year $50 million construction project at six sites in Austin. The 4th Street NW bridge construction began Nov. 15, 2024. Other bridge construction is planned for 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.

What's next
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, construction crews will be doing the final work to open the bridge to allow crossing and the use of three of the four ramps on Friday, Nov. 21.

The crossing of I-90 on the 4th Street Northwest bridge will open, as will three of the four ramps. Both eastbound I-90 ramps will be open along with the westbound I-90 on-ramp. The westbound I-90 off-ramp will remain closed because the work zone for the ongoing construction of the westbound I-90 Cedar River bridge is at the off-ramp. It will reopen later this winter once the river bridge is completed. The westbound I-90 on-ramp at 6th Street Northeast is also closed because of this work zone, but westbound off-ramp remains open.

Detours for westbound I-90 traffic wanting to exit at 4th Street NW are to travel west to 14th St. NW. Detours for traffic wanting to get on westbound I-90 at 6th Street NE are to travel east on I-90 to 11th Drive NE, cross I-90 and return to westbound I-90 using the on-ramp.

Single Point Urban Interchange
The new design of the bridge is called a single point urban interchange because the primary signals are on a monotube in the middle. It's a change for motorists, but directions can be determined by looking at the signs, following the traffic signals and pavement markings.

Plan to go slow as you learn this area just as you would a new roundabout or other change in traffic.

To drive through a Single-Point Urban Interchange in Minnesota, follow the signs and lane markings. All traffic movements are controlled by a single set of traffic signals in the center of the intersection.

Right turns are permitted in any phase, while left turns and through traffic are controlled by three phases: one for through traffic, one for left turns leaving the interstate, and one for left turns entering the interstate.

Remember to allow extra space for larger vehicles, as single point urban interchanges are designed with larger, more gradual turns.

Navigating a Single-Point Urban Interchange

Follow the signs and lane markings: The key difference is that one central traffic signal controls all left turns and through traffic. Pay close attention to signs and pavement markings to get into the correct lane for your movement.
Right turns: You can make a right turn at any time when it is safe, as right turns do not interfere with the main signal phases.
Left turns: Left turns are phased at the central signal:

Phase 1: Through traffic on the main arterial road.
Phase 2: Vehicles turning left to exit the interstate.
Phase 3: Vehicles turning left to enter the interstate.

Go straight: You can proceed through the intersection like a traditional one, but you must do so within the signal phases indicated for through traffic.
Be aware of larger vehicles: These interchanges are designed to accommodate large vehicles like trucks and buses with wide, gradual turns. Ensure you are giving them ample space, especially when turning.

Stay connected, informed

Check out upcoming MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects.

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