In the late 1990s, the route was cut back to end at Interstate 694 in Shoreview and then fully removed shortly after. Guide signs at the County Road 23 exit from Interstate 35W in Lino Lakes were marked as "OLD 49" for five years after the removal, however these signs were removed around 2003.
In the late 1990s, the route was shortened to terminate at Interstate 694 in Shoreview and subsequently eliminated shortly after. Signage at the County Road 23 exit from Interstate 35W in Lino Lakes remained labeled "OLD 49" for five years following the removal.