I-94 Ramp Closure and Evening Snow: Prepare for Your Thursday Commute

Morning Traffic Overview and Road Conditions

As we head into the morning of Thursday, January 22, 2026, Milwaukee commuters can expect mostly dry pavement for the early drive, though major construction transitions are beginning to impact local arteries. While the recently completed I-43 North-South corridor through Glendale and Mequon is providing a much smoother experience than in years past, the spotlight today is on the I-94 East-West project as it enters its 2026 construction phase.

Major Construction and Ramp Closures

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced a significant closure that begins this week. Motorists who typically use the 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 westbound should find an alternate route. This ramp is scheduled to close for approximately two months to facilitate critical electrical and utility work by We Energies. This work is a precursor to the larger "Early East Leg" of the I-94 reconstruction project.

• I-94 Westbound: Expect delays near 28th Street due to the entrance ramp closure. Consider using 35th Street or 13th Street as alternatives.
• I-94 West Leg: Construction crews are currently performing median pavement removals and storm sewer work between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive. While two lanes remain open in both directions, the narrow lanes and shifting configurations require a reduced speed of 50 MPH.
• Upcoming Warning: Looking ahead to early February, the 27th Street bridge over I-94 is slated for a long-term closure. Commuters are advised to start testing detour routes now.

Public Transit Updates and MCTS Service Changes

Passengers using the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) should be aware that the new 2026 Service Plan is now in full effect. Following changes that rolled out on January 11, several routes have shifted frequencies. Riders on Route 14 (Humboldt-Wisconsin), Route 30 (Wisconsin Avenue), and Route 33 (Vliet Street) may experience slightly longer wait times during peak hours. Additionally, the new base fare of $2.75 is now standard for all fixed-route services. MCTS suggests using the Umo mobile app to track real-time bus locations, as winter weather can occasionally cause minor delays in schedule adherence.

Evening Commute Weather Alert

While the morning commute appears stable, the return trip this afternoon and evening may be more challenging. Local forecasts indicate that accumulating snow is expected to begin late today, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures. Salt trucks are expected to be deployed across the metro area by early afternoon. Drivers should prepare for slippery spots on bridges and overpasses and are encouraged to leave extra following distance as visibility decreases during the evening rush.