I-94 Freeway Closures and Bridge Demolition Disrupt Sunday Travel

Major I-94 Corridor Disruptions

Sunday morning in Milwaukee is seeing significant traffic shifts as the I-94 East-West "Early East Leg" project moves into a critical phase of activity. For commuters and visitors today, February 22, 2026, several key arteries are completely closed, requiring substantial detours through the Menomonee Valley and surrounding neighborhoods.

The most significant impact today involves the ongoing demolition of the 27th Street Bridge over I-94. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has implemented full freeway closures on I-94 in both directions between the Stadium Interchange and the Marquette Interchange. These closures are necessary to facilitate the removal of bridge sections. While crews are working to reopen lanes for peak travel, motorists should expect the following long-term restrictions:

• 27th Street is closed to all traffic between West Clybourn Street and West St. Paul Avenue.
• The I-94 eastbound exit ramp to 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue is closed for reconstruction.
• The 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 westbound remains closed for utility work and bridge staging.

Bridge and Surface Street Alerts

Travelers on the city's south and near-west sides must also navigate the total closure of the 16th Street Viaduct. The bridge is currently shut down to all vehicle traffic between West Clybourn Street and South Pierce Street for floor beam repairs and structural rehabilitation. This closure is expected to persist through April 2026, significantly increasing traffic volume on 6th Street and 35th Street.

On the southwestern edge of the city, I-894 eastbound is seeing nightly lane restrictions and occasional full closures near the noise barrier construction zones. Additionally, maintenance work on I-94 eastbound is scheduled for late tonight, which may lead to early lane tapers beginning around 11:30 PM.

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) Impact

Public transport users should be aware of several detours and service modifications currently in effect:

• PurpleLine: Detouring off 27th Street between Clybourn Street and National Avenue due to bridge demolition.
• Route 24: Utilizing a two-directional detour to bypass the 16th Street Viaduct closure; riders should expect minor delays in the valley area.
• Route 44U: Continuing to detour due to the closure of the eastbound 68th Street on-ramp to I-94.
• Service Plan Changes: Under the Phase II 2026 Service Plan, Routes 11, 22, and 88 are running on shortened segments. Route 11 now terminates at 92nd Street, and Route 22 ends at Humboldt Boulevard.

Commuters are advised to utilize 35th Street or 13th Street as primary north-south alternatives. Given the number of bridge closures currently active over the Menomonee Valley, please allow at least 20 minutes of extra travel time for cross-town trips this Sunday.