Dangerous Cold Warning: School Closures and Major Route Reductions This Friday
Dangerous Cold Warning: School Closures and Major Route Reductions This Friday
Milwaukee commuters are facing a challenging start to the day this Friday, January 23, 2026, as an extreme cold warning remains in effect across the region. With wind chills forecasted to reach as low as 40 degrees below zero, the primary concern for travelers is safety and exposure. The National Weather Service warning is set to continue through Friday afternoon, followed by a cold weather advisory lasting into Saturday.
Closures and Safety Alerts
Due to the life-threatening temperatures, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and all district offices are closed today. All after-school programs, recreation activities, and district events have been canceled. High school exams originally scheduled for today have been moved to next Tuesday. Commuters should be aware that while the streets may be quieter due to school closures, the extreme temperatures pose a significant risk of frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. Motorists are advised to carry emergency kits including blankets and extra warm clothing in case of a vehicle breakdown.
Roadworks and Major Arteries
In addition to the weather, several significant road closures are impacting traffic flow through the city. As part of the preparatory utility work for the I-94 East-West Project, the 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 westbound is currently closed for a two-month project. Drivers who typically utilize this ramp should plan for detours through the end of winter.
- 16th Street Viaduct: The viaduct remains closed from West Clybourn Street to West Pierce Street for ongoing bridge inspections and repairs.
- South Hawley Road: Continuous closures are in effect between West Park Hill Avenue and West Adler Street. This is part of long-term WisDOT construction that will impact the area through 2028.
- West Greves Street: This thoroughfare is currently closed from the 27th Street Viaduct west to its terminus.
Public Transport and Transit Updates
Transit users should note that the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is now operating under the 2026 Service Plan implemented earlier this month. To address a significant budget gap, several routes have shifted to peak-hour-only service on weekdays. If you rely on Routes 20, 28, 33, 34, 55, or 58, ensure your commute falls between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as service is discontinued during mid-day hours.
For those traveling to or from the Chicago region, Metra is operating on a reduced "severe cold" schedule today. This means service levels on most lines will be similar to a weekend schedule. Riders are strongly encouraged to check updated timetables before heading to the platform to minimize time spent waiting outdoors in the dangerous cold.