I-94 Lane Squeeze at 35th St. and Major MCTS Route Changes

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Milwaukee. As of today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, commuters heading into the downtown area from the west will face significant new traffic patterns on I-94. While the northern corridors see relief following the official completion of the I-43 modernization project earlier this week, the central I-94 East-West corridor remains the primary hotspot for delays due to the launch of a new construction phase.

Major Freeway Impacts: I-94 and I-43

The most critical update for this morning involves I-94 eastbound. A long-term single lane closure is now in effect between 35th Street and 25th Street. This reduction is necessary for the temporary widening of the roadway as crews begin constructing the new 27th Street bridge piers. Drivers should expect heavy congestion during peak hours through this stretch. Additionally, the 35th Street entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound is now closed and will remain inaccessible through the end of the year.

• I-94 Eastbound: Lane reduction from 35th to 25th Street; significant delays expected.
• Ramp Closure: The 35th Street on-ramp to I-94 eastbound is closed. Use Wisconsin Avenue or Clybourn Street as alternates.
• I-94 Eastbound Exit: The exit to 26th Street/St. Paul Avenue remains closed as part of the Early East Leg project.
• I-43 North-South: In a major win for North Shore drivers, the 14-mile expansion between Glendale and Grafton is now officially complete. All main travel lanes are open, providing a smoother transition for those traveling between Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.

MCTS Spring Service Changes

Public transit riders are reminded that the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) implemented its Phase II Spring Service Plan this past Sunday. These changes are now in full effect for today's commute. Due to budget adjustments and construction detours, several routes have been modified:

• Route Shortening: Routes 11, 22, 24, 80, and 88 have been shortened. Many of these routes now have increased wait times, ranging from 23 to 53 minutes.
• I-94 Construction Detours: Route 60 continues to detour off 60th Street between Main Street and Bluemound Road. Route 44U is also maintaining its detour due to the 68th Street on-ramp closure.
• 16th Street Bridge: Route 24 remains on detour off the 16th Street Bridge over the Menomonee River Valley; this is expected to last through Fall 2026.

Local Street Closures

In the city center, the 27th Street Viaduct remains closed to all vehicular traffic as part of the broader I-94 reconstruction effort. Commuters should also be aware of localized utility work on West Center Street between 50th and 52nd Streets, which may cause intermittent lane shifts throughout the morning.