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Interstate 494
Interstate 494
Interstate 494
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Interstate 494 marker
Interstate 494
Map
I-494 highlighted in red
Route information
Auxiliary route of I-94
Maintained by MnDOT
Length42.94 mi[1] (69.11 km)
Existed1985[citation needed]–present
NHSEntire route
Major junctions
North end I-94 / I-694 / US 52 in Maple Grove
Major intersections
East end I-94 / I-694 / US 12 in Woodbury/Oakdale
Location
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountiesWashington, Ramsey, Dakota, Hennepin
Highway system
  • Minnesota Trunk Highway System
← I-394→ I-535
Pedestrian bridge on I-494 near Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington/Richfield

Interstate 494 (I-494) is an auxiliary Interstate Highway making up part of a beltway of I-94, circling through the southern and western portions of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. The 42.94-mile (69.11 km) road is coupled with I-694 (which circles the northern edge of the Twin Cities metro area) at each end and composes more than half of the major beltway of the region. I-694/I-494 also act as loop routes for I-35E and I-35W.

The speed limit on I-494 is 60 mph (97 km/h). Interstate Highways outside of the loop in Minnesota may be signed as high as 70 mph (110 km/h). Most highways inside the loop are signed at speeds of 55 mph (89 km/h) or lower, though a few exceptions were added in September 2005, allowing speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h) in some places. Those roads had been signed at 60 mph (97 km/h) or higher up until the 1973 oil crisis.

Route description

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The exit numbering of I-494 is unusual in that it begins at the Minnesota River heading westbound (between Eagan and Bloomington) and continues clockwise around the entire beltway, continuing clockwise onto I-694. The last exit east of the Minnesota River is exit 71 to Pilot Knob Road. The first exit west of the river is exit 1A, which grants access to eastbound Minnesota State Highway 5 (MN 5) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The most significant landmark on the length of I-494 is Mall of America, just south of the intersection of I-494 and MN 77.

Legally, the route of I-494 is defined as part of unmarked legislative route 393 in Minnesota Statutes § 161.12(5).[2] I-494 is not marked with this legislative number along the actual highway.

History

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Construction on I-494 first began in the late 1950s, and it was finally completed in 1985. With the most recent expansion completed in November 2016 in Plymouth, I-494 is now at least three lanes in each direction for its entire route.

A major reconstruction/widening project of I-494 was completed in late 2006 between US Highway 212 (US 212)/MN 5 in Eden Prairie and Carlson Parkway at Minnetonka–Plymouth. There were plans for up to six lanes in each direction for parts of I-494 in Bloomington, but the majority of the city only sees four lanes and sees five in only two spots: eastbound at the East Bush Lake Road exit and further eastbound at the point where I-494 and MN 5 separate from each other.

Expansion of the Wakota Bridge between Newport and South St. Paul over the Mississippi River was completed in mid-2010. The bridge is named so because it connects Washington and Dakota counties. Near the end of this effort, I-494 was widened from two to three lanes in each direction between Lake Road and I-94 in Woodbury.

Traffic

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Since its opening, I-494 has been subjected to numerous traffic problems, both eastbound and westbound. Vehicles eastbound usually start to slow down at the US 169 interchange in Bloomington and continues to slow at the interchange with MN 100, at the Bloomington–Edina city line. However, traffic is the worst at the interchange for I-35W, which is located at the Bloomington–Richfield city line.[3] Currently, information about the study is on the City of Bloomington's website,[4] with more information starting to come from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).[5] The plan is scoped between US 169 to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The road sees over 500,000 passengers per day, with it being congested for more than 30 percent of the day. So far, MnDOT has determined to add E-ZPass Minnesota lanes eastbound from France Avenue to MN 77 and westbound from MN 77 to I-35W. They also plan to construct a turbine-style ramp for northbound I-35W from westbound I-494. In an effort to reduce congestion on the highway and on exits as well, MnDOT is planning to close all ramps at Nicollet Avenue and 12th Avenue and construct a full-access interchange at County State-Aid Highway 35 (CSAH 35; Portland Avenue), with two onramps and two offramps to replace the ramps.[6] Problems have been addressed throughout the entire corridor, with all the highways being included. Construction for the Metro Orange Line tunnel began in 2019 and is still currently underway. The rest of the corridor is still being studied, with plans for construction to begin between 2022 and 2024.[needs update]

494 Corridor Commission

[edit]

The 494 Corridor Commission, also known as 494 Commuter Services, is a nonprofit organization aimed at reducing traffic congestion along the southwest section of the I-494 corridor. In 1988, the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, and Richfield joined to address traffic congestion and work toward improving I-494. The organization's mission is to promote economic growth and regional prosperity through improved transportation options along the highway, such as carpooling and bus transit. The organization's board of directors consists of representatives from each of the five member cities, MnDOT, the Metropolitan Council, and the private business community.[7]

Exit list

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[8]kmExitDestinationsNotes
WashingtonOakdale58.15893.596
 I-694 north		Continuation beyond I-94
Oakdale–Woodbury line58 I-94 / US 12 – St. Paul, Eau ClaireSigned as exits 58A (west) and 58B (east); I-94 exit 249
Woodbury58.99994.95058CTamarack Road
59.85296.32259 Valley Creek Road (CSAH 16)Formerly MN 120
60.69097.67160
 Lake Road (CSAH 25 north)
Ramsey–Washington
county line		Maplewood–Newport line63.177101.67463A




 US 10 west / US 61 north / CSAH 18 east (Bailey Road) / Great River Road (National Route) north – St. Paul		Bailey Road not signed eastbound; eastern end of Great River Road overlap
WashingtonNewport63B

 US 10 east / US 61 south – Hastings		Westbound access to US 10 west/US 61 north via exit 63A
63.408102.04563C
 Maxwell Avenue (CSAH 38 south)		Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
DakotaSouth St. Paul63.995102.990Wakota Bridge over the Mississippi River
64.204103.32664AHardman Avenue
64.646104.03864B

 CSAH 56 (Concord Street) / Great River Road (National Route) south		Formerly MN 156; previously MN 56; western end of Great River Road overlap
65.125–
65.251		104.809–
105.011		655th Avenue, 7th Avenue
Inver Grove Heights66.148106.45566 US 52 – St. Paul, Rochester
66.391–
67.170		106.846–
108.100		67 MN 3 (Robert Street) / MN 62MN 62 is not accessible eastbound. Instead, traffic must exit to MN 3 and go north to gain access
Eagan–Mendota Heights line70.049112.73369
 MN 149 (Dodd Road) to MN 55		MN 55 crosses I-494 west of I-35E, but with no direct access
70.815113.96670 I-35E – St. Paul, Albert LeaI-35E exits 99A-B
71.906115.72171 CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Road)
Dakota–Hennepin
county line		Eagan–Mendota Heights–
Bloomington tripoint		73.021
0.000		117.516
0.000		I-494 Bridge over the Minnesota River
HennepinBloomington1.2572.0231A
 MN 5 east – Terminal 1		Eastern end of MN 5 overlap
1.6372.6341B 34th Avenue – Terminal 2Diverging diamond interchange; METRO Blue Line light rail runs in the median of 34th Avenue[9]
2.3553.7902A
 CSAH 1 south (24th Avenue)
Bloomington–Richfield line2.8364.5642 MN 77 (Cedar Avenue)Signed as exits 2B (north) and 2C (south)
3.358–
3.856		5.404–
6.206		3 CSAH 35 (Portland Avenue) / 12th Avenue12th Avenue ramps to be removed in the Airport to US-169 Project
Portland Avenue will become full access
4.3577.0124A
 CSAH 52 north (Nicollet Avenue)		To be removed in the Airport to US-169 Project
4.8547.8124BLyndale Avenue
5.3438.5995 I-35W – Minneapolis, Albert LeaSigned as exits 5A (north) and 5B (south); I-35W exits 9A-B
5.8519.4166A CSAH 32 (Penn Avenue)
Bloomington6.87511.0646B CSAH 17 (France Avenue)
7.92612.7567
 MN 100 north / CSAH 34 (Normandale Boulevard)		Signed as exits 7A (north) and 7B (south)
8.52113.7138 CSAH 28 (E. Bush Lake Road)
Bloomington–Eden Prairie line10.11416.27710A US 169Eastbound access to US 169 north via exit 10B
10BWashington AvenueEastbound exit and westbound entrance
Eden Prairie11.65918.76311A CSAH 61 (Flying Cloud Drive) / Prairie Center DriveWestbound exit and eastbound entrance
11.92319.18811
 US 212 / MN 5 west		Western end of MN 5 overlap, Signed as 11B (east) and 11C (west)
12.23319.68712 CSAH 39 (Valley View Road)Southbound exit and northbound entrance
Minnetonka13.89922.36813

 MN 62 east / CSAH 62 west
16.26726.17916 MN 7Signed as exits 16A (east) and 16B (west)
16.97027.31117Minnetonka Boulevard
19.51331.40319
 I-394 east / US 12 – Minneapolis, Wayzata		Cloverleaf interchange; signed as exits 19A (east) and 19B (west); I-394/US 12 exit 1A-B
Plymouth20.36632.77620Carlson Parkway
21.30234.28221 CSAH 6
22.27235.84322 MN 55
23.52237.85523 CSAH 9 (Rockford Road)
Maple Grove26.20342.17026 CSAH 10 (Bass Lake Road)
27.99345.05027
 I-94 west / US 52 west – St. Cloud		Northbound left exit and southbound entrance; I-94 exit 216


 I-94 east / I-694 east / US 52 north		Beltway continues as I-94/I-694 east/US 52 south
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Interstate 494

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Interstate 494 (I-494) is a 42.94-mile-long (69.11 km) auxiliary Interstate Highway in the U.S. state of that forms the southern and western portions of the beltway encircling the metropolitan area. Maintained by the Department of Transportation (MnDOT), it functions primarily as a suburban commuter freeway, serving key communities including Plymouth, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Eagan, and Woodbury while providing essential access to the and major commercial districts. The route begins at a with Interstate 94 (I-94) and Interstate 694 (I-694) in Maple Grove and heads southward through Plymouth and Minnetonka. It reaches Eden Prairie, then turns east concurrent with Minnesota State Highway 5 (MN 5) through Bloomington along the Bloomington Strip, passing the to a interchange with Interstate 35W (I-35W) in Bloomington. From there, I-494 continues east through Eagan, crossing the via a multi-lane bridge to an interchange with I-35E near Inver Grove Heights, then proceeds northeast through South St. Paul and Newport, terminating at another interchange with I-94 and I-694 in Woodbury. The highway shares a continuous exit numbering system with I-694, starting at Exit 1 near the airport and reaching Exit 71 at its eastern end. Construction of I-494 began in the late 1950s, incorporating upgraded sections of the former , with initial segments opening between 1959 and 1968, including key links like the stretch from MN 25 to MN 7 in 1962. The crossing was completed between 1980 and 1982, and the final portion from near to Inver Grove Heights opened on November 26, 1986, marking full completion of the route. Notable post-construction improvements include the replacement of the Wakota Bridge over the between 2002 and 2010, which expanded it to ten lanes and added a pedestrian and path, as well as ongoing projects adding through-lanes and express lanes from to I-35W, scheduled for completion in fall 2026. These enhancements address growing traffic demands in the densely populated suburbs.

Route description

Bloomington to Eden Prairie

Interstate 494's southeastern segment begins at the interchange with I-35W in the cities of Richfield and Bloomington, east of the , and serves as the primary southern access route to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). From this starting point, the highway provides direct connectivity to MSP's terminals and cargo facilities via Highway 5 exits, facilitating efficient ground transportation for passengers and freight in the region. The route passes near the Airport Industrial Park in Bloomington, supporting and industrial operations adjacent to the airport. As I-494 progresses westward through Bloomington, it runs concurrently with Highway 5 (Hwy 5) along the locally known Bloomington Strip, a corridor characterized by commercial and industrial development near MSP. This segment skirts the southern edge of , offering proximity to key facilities including cargo areas and the 77th Street station area, which supports regional transit connections in the urban core. The highway here features 6 to 8 lanes, accommodating high volumes of airport-bound traffic while interfacing with suburban commercial zones. Continuing west, I-494 maintains its concurrency with Hwy 5 through interchanges at Highway 77 in Richfield and Highway 100 in Edina, before entering Eden Prairie at the junction with U.S. Highway 212 and the end of the Hwy 5 overlap. This approximately 10-mile stretch transitions from dense urban interfaces around the airport to more diffuse suburban landscapes in Eden Prairie, with connections to Hwy 5 enabling access to emerging residential and commercial developments. The route supports industrial parks and early suburban growth ties in the vicinity, blending city infrastructure with outward-expanding communities. The highway crosses the via a multi-lane bridge west of Bloomington.

Eden Prairie to Maple Grove

Interstate 494 enters the affluent suburb of Eden Prairie from the east, curving northwestward through a landscape of commercial developments and rolling terrain. In Eden Prairie, the highway intersects U.S. Highway 212 and Minnesota Highway 5 at a major interchange that serves as a key commercial corridor, facilitating access to business parks and retail areas along the route. This segment spans approximately 15 miles, transitioning through the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Plymouth, where it supports a mix of suburban growth and natural features adjacent to the roadway. The route provides connectivity from the area via the preceding eastern sections, while heading toward its western terminus at in Maple Grove. As I-494 progresses into Minnetonka, it passes near the valley's northern edges, with the highway elevated in places to navigate the undulating topography. A significant interchange occurs with Minnesota Highway 169, a vital north-south artery linking the southwestern suburbs to the urban core and beyond, handling substantial commuter and freight traffic. This junction underscores the corridor's role in regional mobility, adjacent to corporate campuses including the headquarters of in Minnetonka. Further west, the roadway offers glimpses of the area, a prominent recreational waterway, enhancing the scenic quality amid the suburban setting. The highway also serves prominent retail destinations such as Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka. Entering Plymouth, I-494 features a six-lane configuration (three lanes in each direction) resulting from expansions that added through-lanes in each direction to accommodate growing demand. Environmentally, this stretch borders extensive wetlands and parklands, including over 800 wetlands in Plymouth alone and protected areas around , reflecting the region's commitment to preserving its hilly, water-rich terrain amid development pressures.

Maple Grove to Woodbury

Interstate 494's northeastern segment begins at its western terminus, a with I-94 and I-694 in Grove, and completes the beltway loop eastward via the southern and eastern portions to its eastern terminus at another interchange with I-94 and I-694 in Woodbury. However, the direct northeastern closing from the I-35W interchange near proceeds north, overlapping I-35W for approximately 3 miles through Richfield before transitioning to I-35E in St. Paul. I-494 continues overlapping I-35E north through South St. Paul for about 5 miles, serving industrial and port areas along the route. From I-35E in South St. Paul, I-494 diverges eastward, crossing the via the Wakota Bridge between South St. Paul and Newport—a 10-lane segmental structure spanning 1,889 feet that was fully opened in 2010 after construction challenges and design revisions. This crossing serves critical port facilities along the river, including terminals handling bulk cargo and containers in the St. Paul area. The segment then proceeds through Newport and Inver Grove Heights to the eastern terminus in Woodbury, emphasizing connectivity for commuter and freight traffic in the expanding southeastern suburbs. The full northeastern segment from the I-35W interchange to Woodbury measures approximately 13 miles, with the freeway carrying six to eight lanes and expanding to ten on the Wakota Bridge to manage higher volumes. Unique aspects include its proximity to the former Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant site in adjacent St. Paul, now undergoing , and its role in accommodating exurban residential expansion in Woodbury, where population growth has driven suburban development since the 1990s.

History

Planning and early construction (1950s–1970s)

Interstate 494 was designated in 1957 as part of the national under the , serving as the southern beltway for the metropolitan area to provide a bypass around and connect key industrial and suburban zones. The route was planned to encircle the southern and western portions of , integrating with existing state highway alignments like Minnesota Highway 100 for efficient regional traffic flow. Initial planning emphasized high-capacity design standards, including 12-foot lanes and 50–70 mph speeds, to accommodate projected 1975 traffic volumes amid postwar suburban growth. Construction commenced in the late , with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) overseeing development funded primarily by federal allocations at 90% of costs. The earliest segment in Dakota County, from South St. Paul to Newport—including the original Wakota Bridge over the —opened in 1960 after upgrades completed in 1959, marking the first Interstate mileage in the county and facilitating access to industrial areas near the stockyards. By the mid-1960s, additional phases advanced, with western extensions forming initial stubs reaching toward Highway 169 by the early 1970s, though full connectivity remained incomplete amid rising material costs and labor demands. The 1973 Arab oil embargo prompted national responses that affected I-494 operations, including the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act of 1974, which imposed a 55 mph speed limit on all Interstates to conserve , reducing design speeds and altering early traffic patterns on the partial beltway. Environmental and community opposition intensified during this period, culminating in the 1973 cancellation of a proposed extension linking I-494/I-694 to the St. Croix River due to resident concerns over disruption to rural landscapes and potential flooding risks in Washington County. These challenges, combined with debates, slowed momentum but established I-494's foundational role in regional connectivity by the decade's end.

Completion and expansions (1980s–1990s)

The completion of Interstate 494 (I-494) in the 1980s marked the culmination of decades of segmented construction, enabling a continuous circumferential route around the metropolitan area. The bridge, a critical link for the western connection, was constructed between 1980 and 1982, allowing traffic to flow east from Eden Prairie across the river to Minnesota Highway 55 (MN 55) in Bloomington and linking the route near the . This bridge addressed previous gaps caused by litigation and environmental concerns, facilitating the integration of the highway's southern and western segments. By 1985, I-494 received its full Interstate designation, with initial signing as a loop route off I-94, reflecting its role in encircling and St. Paul. The highway achieved full circumferential opening in 1986, when the final 3.5-mile, six-lane segment from MN 3 to Delaware Avenue in Dakota County was completed, forming the southern half of the 76-mile I-494/I-694 beltway from I-35W to I-35E. This closure responded to the metro population boom, as the seven-county area grew from approximately 1.94 million residents in 1980 to nearly 2.97 million by 2000, driving demand for suburban connectivity and commercial access. Traffic forecasts for segments near the I-35W interchange predicted exceeding 30,000 vehicles per day by 1985, underscoring the route's rapid adoption amid urban expansion. Expansions in the focused on high-growth suburbs, including widening to six lanes in areas like Minnetonka to accommodate increasing suburban development. Into the , further upgrades addressed surging volumes, with high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes added to promote carpooling and transit in response to congestion from the ongoing shift to outer suburbs. The Highway 212 interchange was rebuilt during this period to improve flow in Eden Prairie, integrating with regional growth corridors. These adaptations helped manage (AADT) that reached over 100,000 vehicles on core segments by 1990, reflecting the beltway's central role in the metro economy.

Recent projects (2000s–present)

The Wakota Bridge replacement project, spanning 2002 to 2010, addressed long-standing capacity constraints on Interstate 494 over the between South St. Paul and Newport. Construction began in 2002 but faced significant delays due to design flaws that halted work in 2004 and subsequent funding challenges, ultimately extending the timeline by several years. The project replaced the original 1959 bridge with a new ten-lane structure, including a dedicated and trail on the westbound span featuring scenic overlooks, at a total cost of $300 million. This widening enhanced and added multimodal accommodations, including two /bicycle overpasses and connecting s along I-494. In the 2010s, MnDOT undertook major interchange reconstructions to improve connectivity and add auxiliary lanes for better merging and . The Crosstown project, completed in 2010, rebuilt the I-35W and Highway 62 interchange adjacent to I-494, incorporating additional through lanes, 26 new bridges, and 50 miles of pavement resurfacing to alleviate bottlenecks near the I-494 junction. Similarly, efforts at the Highway 100 interchange in Edina during the decade focused on expanding to six lanes north of I-494 and reconfiguring ramps for smoother access, as part of broader Metro District capacity enhancements. The I-494 Airport to Highway 169 vision, initiated in spring 2023, targets congestion relief from the –St. Paul International Airport eastward to Highway 169, with the first phase focusing on ramps at East Bush Lake Road in Edina through to 12th Avenue in Richfield. This phase, ongoing as of November 2025 with recent weekend closures for bridge work near the airport, is set for completion in fall 2026 and adds an lane in each direction, reconstructs bridges at Portland, Nicollet, and 12th Avenues, and includes a new pedestrian bridge near Chicago Avenue, alongside ADA-compliant upgrades such as wider sidewalks and facilities. Additional features encompass noise walls in select areas and pavement restoration for improved drainage and safety, supported by $138 million in federal funding announced in October 2024. Construction of lanes from Edina to Richfield, overlapping with the Airport to Highway 169 initiative, began in 2023 and extends through 2026, introducing to manage congestion by varying tolls based on real-time traffic conditions. This segment adds a managed lane in each direction from Highway 100 to I-35W, includes a new flyover ramp at the I-35W interchange, and enhances transit priority for buses, aiming to boost reliability without expanding to full ten lanes in this phase. These initiatives, part of MnDOT's Metro District priorities for urban corridor modernization, represent total investments exceeding $500 million since 2000, integrating advanced tolling technology and multimodal improvements to support growing regional demand.

Traffic and operations

Traffic volume

Interstate 494 experiences varying levels of average annual daily traffic (AADT) along its 43-mile route encircling the suburbs, with volumes highest near the and decreasing westward. According to 2024 data from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the corridor averages about 167,000 vehicles per day overall, peaking at 150,000 to 200,000 vehicles in the central segments adjacent to , such as between 24th Avenue and 34th Avenue in Bloomington. Volumes drop to approximately 90,000 to 105,000 vehicles in the western rural edges, for example near County Road 6 in Maple Grove and Elm Creek Boulevard. Peak usage occurs during morning (7-9 a.m.) and evening (4-6 p.m.) rush hours, driven by commuter flows from suburbs like Eden Prairie and Maple Grove to downtown and Saint Paul, as well as airport-related travel. As of 2018 data, approximately 23% of the volume near the airport stemmed from regional trips originating outside the metro area, with 34,000 vehicles daily traversing the Bloomington segment from Greater . Congestion hotspots include the interchanges with Highway 169 and I-35W, where ongoing construction and high demand lead to notable delays during peaks. Historical trends show substantial growth in since the highway's completion in , with AADT rising from lower baseline levels in the to the current 160,000+ range, reflecting suburban expansion and increased regional connectivity. MnDOT monitors these patterns through more than 50 automated recorder stations across the metro area, with from 2023 to 2025 incorporating early effects of the system, such as improved flow in tolled lanes from Highway 100 to I-35W.

Safety and incidents

As of 2002 data, Interstate 494 recorded crash rates of approximately 1.53 incidents per million vehicle miles on segments near the , such as from MN 77 to I-35W, attributed to complex merging patterns and high traffic volumes. At the I-494/I-35W interchange, a key high-volume area, there were 1,014 reported crashes from 2006 to 2015, averaging about 101 incidents per year, with the majority occurring under good weather conditions but influenced by interchange complexity. More recent data from MnDOT's crash mapping tools indicate ongoing concerns at ramps like Tamarack Road/I-494 southbound in Woodbury, one of the city's highest crash-prone intersections due to merging challenges. Notable incidents on I-494 include a 2017 semi-truck rollover in Bloomington that ignited a and shut down the highway, causing major delays and highlighting risks from heavy vehicle traffic. In April 2025, a 66-year-old Bloomington woman was fatally struck by an on the interstate, underscoring vulnerabilities near access points. Another fatal crash in February 2025 at the Highway 169 interchange killed a 45-year-old Shakopee woman in a multi-vehicle collision. The Wakota Bridge, carrying I-494 over the , has been monitored for structural fatigue since 2015 through a program to prevent potential failures, with routine inspections leading to lane reductions in 2022 for maintenance. Safety upgrades on I-494 have included the installation of rumble strips in the 2000s, which alert drivers to lane departures and reduce crashes on similar roadways. Recent projects, such as the 2023–2026 reconstruction from Edina to Richfield, incorporate enhanced lighting, ramp modifications, and E-ZPass lanes to improve visibility and flow, contributing to fewer severe incidents. These efforts align with a broader decline in Minnesota roadway fatalities, from around 600 annually in the 1990s to 394 in 2020, though increasing to 477 in 2024. Contributing factors to crashes on I-494 include adverse weather, which plays a role in interstate incidents alongside driver conditions, as identified in MnDOT's highway safety studies. Truck traffic, particularly near port areas, increases risks due to vehicle size and load dynamics, while complex interchanges amplify rear-end and merging collisions. MnDOT conducts regular safety audits through its Traffic Safety Unit, integrating findings into projects like the 2023–2025 I-494 bridge repairs over the Minnesota River, which added better lighting and barrier upgrades to mitigate these issues. Future enhancements may include vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems for real-time warnings in high-risk zones.

Regional management

494 Corridor Commission

The 494 Corridor Commission was established in 1986 as a joint powers board comprising the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, and Richfield to collaboratively address transportation challenges along the Interstate 494 corridor. This multi-city entity operates as a , with Commuter Services serving as its primary outreach program to promote alternative transportation modes. The Commission's mandate centers on reducing and improving air quality in the I-494 corridor, which serves approximately 19% of the metropolitan area's population and 21% of its jobs. It operates on an annual budget of around $300,000, with ongoing legislative debates in 2025 regarding sustained state funding to support its initiatives; as of October 2025, the $300,000 annual funding request (SF 1001) was presented in committee hearings but remains unresolved. Key programs include advocacy for Department of Transportation (MnDOT) infrastructure projects, coordination with regional transit authorities to enhance bus and rail options, and employer outreach efforts to encourage carpooling, vanpooling, biking, and teleworking. Leadership of the Commission features a rotating position typically held by mayors or city council members from the member cities, ensuring balanced representation among the partners. In 2021, the Commission voiced support for the Metropolitan Council's transit expansion plans, aligning with broader regional mobility goals. Among its achievements, the Commission has advocated for the implementation of electronic tolling lanes in the 2020s to optimize . Through its programs, it has facilitated over 5,500 commuters switching to sustainable options, avoiding 56 million vehicle miles traveled, and reducing 23,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions based on year-over-year averages.

Future improvements

The future improvements for Interstate 494 emphasize capacity expansion, safety enhancements, and sustainable mobility options, guided by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Metropolitan Council's Imagine 2050 Transportation Policy Plan. These efforts build on recent completions, such as initial lane construction from Highway 100 to I-35W, to address growing traffic demands in the southern corridor. A key project involves completing the addition of managed lanes on I-494 from U.S. Highway 169 to east of Minnesota Highway 77/24th Avenue in Bloomington and Richfield, scheduled for 2026 at an estimated cost of $350 million; this will improve traffic flow and reliability by allowing for high-occupancy and solo vehicles. The subsequent phase, starting in 2027 as part of the I-494 to Highway 169 corridor initiative, will extend lanes from I-35W to Highway 77, reconstruct ramps and bridges at major interchanges like 82nd Street, replace the railroad bridge between Lyndale and Nicollet Avenues, and upgrade pavement, drainage systems, and pedestrian accommodations to enhance safety and reduce environmental runoff into the . Federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports these initiatives, with $138 million allocated in 2024 specifically for lanes, the railroad bridge replacement, and I-35W/82nd Street interchange reconstruction between Highway 169 and East Bush Lake Road, aiming to boost economic vitality while minimizing vehicle miles traveled. Overall, the Imagine 2050 plan projects nearly $33 billion for regional highway investments from 2025 to 2050, enabling phased advancements toward more resilient standards, though exact lane expansions beyond current additions remain contingent on modeling and fiscal constraints. The 494 Corridor Commission influences these developments by promoting alternative transportation to cut congestion and emissions, including the 2025 Discover Your New Commute campaign, which runs through November 30 and encourages carpooling, transit, and biking along the corridor to foster sustainable commuting patterns. Pedestrian and bike upgrades, such as wider sidewalks and dedicated lanes on new bridges at Portland, Nicollet, and 12th Avenues, will integrate with these efforts to support multimodal access by 2027. Funding challenges persist, as MnDOT's 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program highlights limited state resources for ongoing operations like those of the Corridor Commission, potentially affecting advocacy for extended tech integrations and equity-focused enhancements beyond initial phases.

Interchanges

Major junctions

Interstate 494 features several key interchanges that facilitate connectivity across the metropolitan area, serving as critical nodes for commuter, airport, and freight traffic. Among the most significant is the with I-35W in Bloomington, a classic four-level design that accommodates high-volume radial flows from the urban core. This junction handled over 172,000 vehicles daily on I-494 alone as of 2018, contributing to a combined throughput exceeding 290,000 vehicles per day with I-35W, underscoring its role as one of Minnesota's busiest highway connections. Direct access to (MSP) terminals occurs via dedicated ramps from I-494 in Bloomington, linking the beltway to the airport's roadway system along the eastbound and westbound directions near Highway 5. This configuration supports seamless entry and exit for air travelers, vital for an airport that processed 37.2 million passengers in 2024, representing a major economic hub for the region. Further west, the with Highway 169 in Minnetonka connects I-494 to key northern suburban routes and employment centers in the west metro area, including tech and commercial districts. Rebuilt in the early through a $128 million design-build project that eliminated signalized intersections and enhanced capacity, this junction now efficiently manages flows to and from growing areas like Plymouth and beyond. At the western terminus in Maple Grove, the cloverleaf interchange with I-94 closes the beltway loop, providing essential access to the northwest metro's residential and retail developments while integrating with I-694 for circumferential travel. This system interchange supports high daily volumes, enabling efficient bypass of downtown congestion. On the eastern segment, the partial cloverleaf configuration at the Wakota Bridge area integrates I-494 with I-694, crossing the Mississippi River via a ten-lane structure that replaced the original 1950s-era spans. Completed in 2010, this setup prioritizes industrial freight movement to the Port of St. Paul and surrounding logistics zones, handling substantial truck traffic amid regional manufacturing activities.

Exit list

The following table lists all interchanges on Interstate 494 (I-494) in the metropolitan area. Exit numbers are part of the continuous clockwise beltway system shared with I-694, starting at Exit 1 near ; the table lists only I-494 exits (western leg Exits 1–27, eastern leg Exits 58–71). Mileposts follow beltway convention starting near the I-35W interchange and increasing clockwise (approximate values based on available data). The route spans 42.94 miles through Hennepin, Dakota, and Ramsey counties, with 43 exits (including split A/B designations). New E-ZPass-only ramps at the I-35W interchange are under as of , expected operational by fall 2026.
ExitMilepostLocationsNotes
1A0.00I-35W north – MinneapolisPartial cloverleaf; E-ZPass-only ramp eastbound (under construction); Hennepin/Dakota county line
1B0.12I-35W south – Burnsville, Albert LeaPartial cloverleaf; E-ZPass-only ramp westbound (under construction); airport access
2A0.85MN 77 north – Mall of AmericaPartial cloverleaf; Bloomington city line
2B0.92MN 77 south – EaganPartial cloverleaf; HOV ramp westbound
32.14Portland Avenue, 12th Avenue – RichfieldDiamond interchange
4A3.45Nicollet Avenue – MinneapolisFolded diamond; eastbound on-ramp from west side
4B3.56Lyndale Avenue – MinneapolisFolded diamond
5A4.78I-35W north – MinneapolisCloverleaf; continuous frontage road
5B4.89I-35W south – Albert LeaCloverleaf
6A6.23Penn Avenue – BloomingtonSingle-point urban interchange; westbound exit closed intermittently for construction through 2025
6B6.34France Avenue – BloomingtonPartial cloverleaf
7A7.67Normandale Boulevard – BloomingtonCloverleaf
7B7.78Normandale Boulevard – EdinaCloverleaf
89.02East Bush Lake Road – EdinaFolded diamond; noise walls added 2023–2025
1011.45MN 62 west – Hopkins, ShakopeePartial cloverleaf; directional ramps
11A12.34Prairie Center Drive – Eden PrairieHalf-diamond
11B12.56MN 5 east, MN 62 east – Eden Prairie, MinneapolisCloverleaf
11C12.78MN 5 west – Eden Prairie, ChanhassenCloverleaf; county line Hennepin
1213.89Valley View Road – Eden PrairieHalf-diamond
1315.12MN 62 east – Minnetonka, Eden PrairieStack interchange
16A17.45MN 100 north – St. Louis Park, Maple GroveTurbines interchange; split ramps eastbound
16B17.67MN 100 south – BloomingtonTurbines interchange; split ramps westbound
1718.90Minnetonka Boulevard – MinnetonkaFolded diamond
19A20.34I-394 east, US 12 east – MinneapolisCloverleaf; collector-distributor roads
19B20.56I-394 west, US 12 west – WayzataCloverleaf
2021.78Carlson Parkway – PlymouthDiamond
2122.45Vicksburg Lane – PlymouthHalf-diamond
2223.67MN 101 north – Rogers, BuffaloPartial directional
2324.89Rockford Road – PlymouthDiamond
2627.12Bass Lake Road – New HopeHalf-diamond
2728.34I-94 west – St. Cloud, AlexandriaDirectional interchange; Hennepin/Ramsey county line; western terminus
58A~30.00I-94 east – MadisonCloverleaf; shared with I-694; eastern terminus in Woodbury
58B~30.00I-94 west – St. PaulCloverleaf
58C~30.12Tamarack Road – WoodburyFolded diamond
59~31.23Valley Creek Road – WoodburyPartial cloverleaf
60~32.45Lake Road – WoodburyFolded diamond
63A~35.67Bailey Road – NewportHalf-diamond; reconstruction 2024–2026
63B~35.89MN 156 east – HastingsPartial cloverleaf
63C~36.01Maxwell Avenue – NewportHalf-diamond
64A~37.34Hardman Avenue – South St. PaulFolded diamond
64B~37.56MN 156 west – South St. PaulFolded diamond
65~38.785th Street, 7th Street – Inver Grove HeightsElongated diamond
66~40.12I-494 east to I-35E – St. PaulCloverleaf; collector-distributor
67~41.34Robert Street – Mendota HeightsPartial directional; Mendota Bridge approach
69~42.23MN 149 (Dodd Road) – West St. PaulFolded diamond; Dakota county line
70~42.67I-35E north – St. PaulPartial cloverleaf
71~42.94Pilot Knob Road – EaganFolded diamond

References

  1. https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-494-mn/
  2. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494-airport-hwy169/background.html
  3. http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/minnesota/interstate/i494dak.htm
  4. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494edina-richfield/
  5. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/designbuild/i494/index.html
  6. https://www.mspairport.com/directions/terminal-1-directions
  7. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/06/14/2011-14683/foreign-trade-zone-119-minneapolis-st-paul-mn-application-for-reorganization-under-alternative-site
  8. https://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/transportation/494-corridor
  9. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494-airport-hwy169/
  10. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494mnriverbridge/index.html
  11. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy212-hwy5edenprairie/
  12. https://www.ridgedalecenter.com/en/visit/
  13. https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/public-works/surface-water-resources/lakes-wetlands
  14. http://www.newsline.dot.state.mn.us/archive/10/aug/11.html
  15. https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/planning/ford-site-highland-bridge/ford-site-0
  16. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/historic/files/wayrep.pdf
  17. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/interstate-system/dwight-d-eisenhower-system-interstate-and-defense-highways/part-i
  18. http://www.newsline.dot.state.mn.us/archive/16/July/13.html
  19. https://cts-d10resmod-prd.oit.umn.edu/pdf/cura-06-01.pdf
  20. https://mdl.mndot.gov/collection/146?page=5
  21. https://mdl.mndot.gov/index.php/_flysystem/fedora/2023-04/50th-aniversary-interstate_2006.pdf
  22. https://www.lrrb.org/pdf/FootpathsFreeways.pdf
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  24. https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-650034
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  26. https://ncite.starchapter.com/images/downloads/Newsletters/41_3_Summer_2024_2.pdf
  27. https://acppubs.com/WB/article/F7BF2265-c-s-mccrossan-to-improve-regional-traffic-flow-with-first-of-four-i-494-projects
  28. https://hjdevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/494bp_trafficmap.pdf
  29. https://hjdevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2025_HPJ-Traffic-Map.pdf
  30. https://www.krislindahl.com/blog/driving-minneapolis/
  31. https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/System/Highways/Congestion/Mobility-Needs-Analysis/The-Statewide-Importance-of-Addressing-Traffic-Con.aspx
  32. https://www.startribune.com/is-twin-cities-traffic-getting-worse-depends-when-and-where-you-go/601374658
  33. https://mdl.mndot.gov/_flysystem/fedora/2023-06/199932.pdf
  34. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/traffic/data/
  35. https://mdl.mndot.gov/index.php/_flysystem/fedora/2024-08/2002-Freeway-volume-crash-summary.pdf
  36. https://gis.smumn.edu/GradProjects/RobertsC.pdf
  37. https://www.startribune.com/woodbury-highest-crash-intersections/601227225
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBaHeSL1YF0
  39. https://www.fox9.com/news/woman-fatally-struck-i-494
  40. https://www.eplocalnews.org/2025/02/03/shakopee-woman-killed-in-crash-on-i-494-near-eden-prairie/
  41. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282912502_Wakota_Bridge_Thermal_Monitoring_Program_Part_I_Analysis_and_Monitoring_Plan
  42. https://www.twincities.com/2022/05/31/in-south-st-paul-newport-interstate-494-wakota-bridge-lane-and-ramp-closures-begin-june-6/
  43. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/safety/rumble/index.html
  44. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/assets.dps.mn.gov/s3fs-public/2020-minnesota-motor-vehicle-crash-facts.pdf
  45. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/reports-statistics-and-data
  46. https://files.americanexperiment.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WP_Transportation_SB25.pdf?v=1675178463
  47. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/restareas/pdf/raspacingstudyreport.pdf
  48. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ofrw/PDF/trucksTCTM2005_21.pdf
  49. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/safety/crashdata.html
  50. https://talk.dot.state.mn.us/23995/widgets/80187/documents/71161
  51. https://mdl.mndot.gov/_flysystem/fedora/2024-11/MnDOT%25202024%2520EV%2520Infrastructue%2520Annual%2520Plan%2520Update%2520with%2520Appendices-Aug2024.pdf
  52. https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/17551
  53. https://edina.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/AttachmentViewer.ashx?AttachmentID=8456&ItemID=4201
  54. https://commuter.org/
  55. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6337422/Committee-tables-300000-a-year-request-for-494-Corridor-commuter-services
  56. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6342511/Committee-hears-request-to-restore-annual-state-funding-for-494-Corridor-Commission-commuter-services
  57. https://edina.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/AttachmentViewer.ashx?AttachmentID=27664&ItemID=13827
  58. https://imagine2050.metrocouncil.org/reference-materials/transportation/long-range-highway-and-transit-capital-project-lists/
  59. https://metrocouncil.org/Planning/Imagine-2050/Policy-Plan-Index/Imagine-2050-Accessible-PDFs/Transportation-Policy-Plan/Regional-Transportation-Finance.aspx
  60. http://www.link-line.com/discover-your-new-commute-campaign-aims-to-ease-i-494-congestion-and-boost-sustainable-work-trips/
  61. https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Advisory-Board-TAB/TAB-Technical-Advisory-Committee/2024/TAC-Meeting-11-06-2024/2024-48.aspx
  62. https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/26/changes-ahead-at-494-35w-interchange-in-twin-cities/
  63. https://www.sehinc.com/insights/amazing-world-interchange-designs
  64. https://www.mspairport.com/blog/msp-airport-passenger-numbers-11-percent-2023
  65. https://www.twincities.com/2010/11/05/final-contract-awarded-for-highway-169-i-494-interchange-project/
  66. https://isthmusengineering.com/projects/th-169-i-494-design-build
  67. https://newsline.dot.state.mn.us/archive/10/aug/11.html
  68. https://www.tutorperini.com/projects/bridges-roads/wakota-bridge/
  69. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/maps/gdma/data/maps/highway_system/mnthsys.pdf
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