Commute Alert: I-94 East Leg Closures and MCTS Peak-Only Service Impacts

Morning Commute Overview for Friday, February 13, 2026

Good morning, Milwaukee. As we head into the final commute of the week, local drivers and transit riders should be prepared for significant shifts in the city's transport landscape. The massive I-94 East-West Freeway expansion project and the first phase of the 2026 Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) service plan are now both in full effect, causing notable changes to daily routines.

Major Arteries: I-94 and 27th Street Closures

The reconstruction of the I-94 East-West corridor has entered a critical phase known as the "Early East Leg." As of this morning, the following major closures remain in place:

• 27th Street Bridge: The 27th Street bridge over I-94 is completely closed between St. Paul Avenue and Evergreen Lane. This closure is expected to last through late 2026. Commuters should utilize Wisconsin Avenue, 35th Street, or Greenfield Avenue as primary north-south detours.
• I-94 Eastbound Exit: The exit ramp from I-94 Eastbound to 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue is closed. Drivers are advised to use the 35th Street or 13th Street exits to access the near-west side.
• Entrance Ramp Closure: The 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 Westbound is also closed for utility work, adding pressure to the Stadium Interchange and Hawley Road entrance points.

Interstate 43 North-South Update

In the northern corridor, modernization work continues between Glendale and Grafton. A long-term construction zone on I-43 Southbound between Capitol Drive and Silver Spring Drive has restricted the highway to two lanes. Expect slow-moving traffic during the morning rush as drivers navigate the lane shifts and reduced speeds through the Union Refrigerator Transit bridge project area.

MCTS Transit: Peak-Only Service and Fare Increases

Transit riders are reminded that the 2026 Winter Service Plan is active. To address budget shortfalls, several routes have transitioned to "peak-only" service, meaning they only operate during traditional rush hours (approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

• Peak-Only Routes: Routes 20, 28, 33, 34, 55, and 58 no longer run during mid-day or late-night hours.
• Frequency Reductions: Frequent weekday routes, including the 12, 14, 31, and 57, are operating with increased wait times.
• Fare Reminder: The new base fare of $2.75 per ride is in effect. Riders using the WisGo system should note the increased daily fare cap of $8.25.

Commuter Advice

Given the heavy construction on the near-west side, avoid the 27th Street corridor if possible. For those traveling between downtown and the suburbs, allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes to navigate detours. Transit users should check the latest schedules via the Umo app, as several routes now have gaps in service during the middle of the day.