I-94 to close overnight Wed. and Thurs. for Lowry Tunnel cleaning

(MnDOT)

I-94 will be closed in Minneapolis overnight Wednesday and Thursday as MnDOT crews wash the Lowry Tunnel.

Both directions of I-94 will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday night for the washing.

According to MnDOT, roughly 175,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel each day, which is a third more vehicles than New York’s Lincoln Tunnel.

Over time, the traffic dirties the tunnel, requiring it to be cleaned by specialized tools.

MnDOT says cleaning the tunnels brightens the walls and improves safety for travelers that use it. Crews also replace broken lights while they clean.

The 1,497-foot tunnel under Lyndale and Hennepin avenues was built in 1969.