Construction on the Fourth Street Northwest I-90 westbound ramp is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 8. Austin Public Works Director Steven Lang announced the ramp’s closure at the Monday Austin City Council meeting.

According to Minnesota Department of Transportation District 6 Public Affairs Coordinator Mike Dougherty, the work will be broken into two phases.

“During the first week, we’ll be replacing the concrete panels on the northbound lane, then on the southbound lane,” Dougherty said. “Due to the presence of road work equipment, there won’t be enough space for drivers to turn, so we’re required to close the ramp.”

Dougherty also stated that the ramp’s culvert will be replaced. The culvert, which has already washed out a nearby bike trail, could potentially wash out the ramp and part of the interstate if not replaced.

Work on the lanes will result in the closure of the lanes as well as the ramp. The northbound lane will be closed first, then the southbound lane. During that time, traffic will travel in single lanes north and south on Fourth Street Northwest in respect to the construction.

According to a MnDOT press release, a detour route will be established via Highway 218 North. This detour will be required for any motorist heading north on Fourth Street that wishes to access businesses north of I-90 or heading south on Fourth Street Northwest to access businesses south of I-90.

The construction is scheduled to last two to three weeks, weather depending.

The Austin City Council also approved two bids from Ulland Bros. Inc. to do asphalt street reconstruction work at Sixth Street and 16th Avenue Southeast and Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Avenues Northwest. Total costs of all repairs by Ulland Bros., Inc. are just over $1.8 million.