Truck spills load on I-494 in Mendota Heights, road closed

The westbound lanes of Interstate 494 were closed at Interstate 35E Tuesday morning, causing a major backup.

A semi lost its load on the bridge over the Minnesota River and it could take until noon before the mess is cleared and lanes reopen, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

Traffic is being diverted from I-494 to I-35E. The closure on I-494 will cause a 30-minute delay, with traffic backing up all the way to Delaware Avenue.

The eastbound lanes of I-494 remain open.