I-94 Maintenance and Viaduct Closures Stall Wednesday Morning Commute

Morning Commute Overview: Snow and Construction Alert

Milwaukee commuters are facing a slow drive this Wednesday, February 11, 2026, due to a combination of fresh snowfall and significant infrastructure projects. While the morning snow has begun to taper off, roads remain slick across the metro area. Local authorities report that maintenance crews are active, but lingering flurries and cold temperatures have created slippery conditions on major interchanges, particularly the Zoo and Marquette Interchanges.

Major Freeway Disruptions

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued several alerts for the freeway system today. Most notably, I-94 Eastbound will see maintenance work between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, which is expected to cause localized congestion just after the morning rush. Drivers should also be aware of the following long-term impacts:

• I-43 Southbound:

  Construction remains active between Glendale and Grafton. This project has reduced lane widths and adjusted exit patterns, leading to daily backups during peak hours.

• I-94 East-West Corridor:

  Intensive work continues near the 27th Street area. Drivers should expect intermittent lane shifts as part of the ongoing freeway expansion and modernization project.

• WIS 36 and WIS 38:

  Ongoing permit work is causing daily lane restrictions on both the Northbound WIS 36 and WIS 38 routes through late morning and early afternoon.

Critical Surface Street and Viaduct Closures

Surface street traffic is significantly impacted by the closure of several key river crossings. Commuters who normally use these routes are advised to seek alternatives such as the 6th Street Viaduct or Canal Street:

• 27th Street Viaduct:

  The bridge over the Menomonee River is now fully closed to traffic. This closure is part of the I-94 East-West project and is expected to last through the end of 2026.

• 16th Street Viaduct:

  Remains closed for essential repairs and bridge inspections between West Clybourn Street and West Pierce Street.

• South Hawley Road:

  Traffic is blocked between West Park Hill Avenue and West Adler Street. This closure is scheduled to remain in place through the fall of 2028.

Public Transit and MCTS Alerts

The Milwaukee County Transit System is operating under its Winter Service Plan, which includes significant frequency changes. Transit riders should be aware that Routes 33 (Vliet - S. 84th Street) and 28 (108th Street) are currently operating on peak-only schedules, running only from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Additionally, Route 24 continues its long-term detour due to the 16th Street Bridge closure. MCTS warns that buses may experience minor delays throughout the day as drivers navigate the morning's icy road conditions.