Minnesota Department of Transportation announces 200+ road construction projects for 2026

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans more than 200 road projects in 2026 at an estimated cost of about $1.5 billion. A full closure of Highway 280 between I-94 in St. Paul and I-35W in Roseville is scheduled this spring through late August for resurfacing and bridge and ramp repairs.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will undertake more than 200 road construction projects in 2026. Officials say the total cost is about $1.5 billion, similar to recent years, and some work is already underway. Several multi-year projects are expected to finish this year, including work on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, Interstate 35W in Burnsville and I‑394/I‑94 in Minneapolis. In April MnDOT plans a full closure of Highway 280 between I‑94 in St. Paul and I‑35W in Roseville to resurface pavement and repair bridges and ramps. Key details: - MnDOT estimates the total 2026 program at about $1.5 billion and lists more than 200 projects for the year. - Highway 280 will be closed in both directions from I‑94 to I‑35W; northbound lanes are scheduled to close April 13 and southbound lanes later in April. - The Highway 280 full closure is expected to last until late August, with some ramp and lane closures continuing into the fall; reopening is timed to align with the Minnesota State Fair schedule. - Work during the closure includes pavement resurfacing and bridge and ramp repairs; MnDOT notes 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles use Highway 280 daily. - Several long-running projects are expected to wrap up in 2026, including sections of I‑94 in St. Paul, I‑35W in Burnsville and I‑394/I‑94 in Minneapolis. - Local residents and small business owners expressed concern about potential impacts on customer access and commerce. Summary: Officials say the northbound lanes of Highway 280 will close on April 13 and that the full closure should last until late August, with additional lane and ramp work continuing into the fall. The broader series of more than 200 projects will proceed through 2026; officials described the work as aimed at long-term improvements while acknowledging short-term impacts for nearby residents and businesses.