I-94 Ramp Closure at 28th St and Bridge Delays Impact Tuesday Commute

Major Ramp Closure at 28th Street

Commuters navigating the I-94 East-West corridor this morning are facing new obstacles as the massive expansion project intensifies. As of yesterday, January 26, the 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 has been closed to all traffic for essential utility work. This closure is expected to remain in place for approximately two months. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is advising drivers who typically use this ramp to utilize the 35th Street or 13th Street entrance ramps as alternatives. Heavy congestion is reported on St. Paul Avenue as local traffic adjusts to this change.

Menomonee Valley Bridge Closures and Restrictions

The north-south commute through the Menomonee Valley remains heavily restricted. The 16th Street Bridge is still fully closed, which has significantly increased traffic volumes on the 27th Street Bridge. However, travelers on 27th Street are now encountering their own set of delays. Northbound 27th Street has been reduced to a single lane approaching St. Paul Avenue due to prep work for the I-94 East-West project. This restriction is causing significant stacking during peak hours, often backing up toward Wisconsin Avenue. Commuters should prepare for the full, long-term closure of the 27th Street Bridge starting next Monday, February 2, and are encouraged to start testing alternative routes such as Highway 175 or 35th Street today.

I-94 East-West Expansion Impacts

Broad construction activity is now visible across the Early East Leg of the I-94 project between 35th Street and 16th Street. While the mainline freeway currently maintains at least two lanes in each direction, temporary widening work near the 27th Street overpass is creating intermittent slowing. On the West Leg, closures that began in late 2025 continue to impact the commute near General Mitchell Boulevard. Drivers are reminded to stay alert for shifting lane configurations and construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zones.

MCTS Service and Fare Updates

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) riders are reminded that the 2026 Service Plan is now fully in effect. Following the January 11 update, several routes have seen frequency reductions during non-peak hours to address ongoing budget adjustments. While peak-hour service remains a priority, commuters traveling mid-day or late at night should check their schedules for potential gaps. Additionally, the new 2026 fare structure is in place, with single-ride fares set at $2.75. Transit officials note that while the PurpleLine is currently running its standard route, a significant detour is scheduled to begin on February 2 to accommodate the upcoming bridge closures.

Tuesday Travel Tips

• Utilize 35th Street or 13th Street for I-94 access to avoid the 28th Street closure.
• Allow an additional 15 minutes for any route crossing the Menomonee Valley.
• Watch for overnight lane reductions on I-41 if traveling between Milwaukee and the Fox Valley area.