Oil Spill Causes Lane and Ramp Closures on Eastbound I-494 in South St. Paul Area
Published: June 5th, 2026
SOUTH ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: Motorists traveling through the eastbound I-494 corridor near South St. Paul experienced significant traffic disruptions that began Thursday evening and have continued today, Friday, June 5th, after a used-oil spill forced lane reductions and ramp closures.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the spill occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, along eastbound I-494. Traffic impacts were later reflected on the state's 511 travel information system beginning at 5:49 p.m. As of Thursday evening, eastbound I-494 between Highway 52 and Maxwell Avenue was reduced to two open lanes, while all ramps in the affected area remained closed to allow crews to safely respond to and clean up the spill.
Used oil spills can create hazardous driving conditions by reducing tire traction and increasing the risk of crashes, particularly for motorcycles and other vehicles traveling at highway speeds. Cleanup operations often require specialized absorbent materials and roadway treatment to remove oil residue and restore safe driving conditions. MnDOT says they are using floor dry to clean up the spill.
MnDOT officials said they were tentatively planning to reopen the affected lanes and ramps later Friday night, around 9 PM, though the timeline remained subject to change depending on cleanup progress and roadway safety conditions.
No information was immediately available regarding the source of the spill, whether any vehicles were involved, or if any crashes or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Drivers were encouraged to seek alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling through the area as crews continued their work. MnDOT advises motorists to monitor real-time traffic conditions through the state's 511 traveler information system for the latest updates on roadway closures, traffic delays, and reopening information. You can find a link to this current incident here: I-494 eastbound: Roadway reduced to two lanes. | Minnesota 511 Travel Information | MnDOT
Additional details may be released as the cleanup operation continues.
Written by: Will Wight
