Lane Reductions on 27th St Bridge; Heavy Event Traffic at Fiserv Forum Today

Traffic Overview: Menomonee Valley Constraints

Commuters and residents in Milwaukee should prepare for a challenging travel day this Saturday, January 31, 2026. With the James E. Groppi Unity Bridge (16th Street Bridge) currently fully closed and the 27th Street Bridge operating with significant restrictions, north-south travel across the Menomonee Valley is heavily constrained. Additionally, major entertainment events at the Fiserv Forum and The Rave are expected to generate localized congestion throughout the afternoon and evening.

Major Roadworks and Closures

• 27th Street Bridge: Northbound traffic is currently restricted to a single lane as crews prepare for the bridge's full long-term closure scheduled for this coming Monday, February 2. Motorists should expect significant bottlenecking approaching St. Paul Avenue. The 35th Street Bridge is the recommended primary alternative.
• 16th Street Bridge: This critical artery remains fully closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Reconstruction is ongoing, with a scheduled reopening set for April 2026.
• I-94 East-West Corridor: Modernization work continues between the Stadium Interchange and 70th Street. The 28th Street entrance ramp remains closed. Drivers are encouraged to use the 35th Street or 13th Street exits to access the Menomonee Valley and Near West Side.
• I-43 Southbound: Scheduled construction work is impacting southbound lanes between Glendale and downtown. Expect intermittent lane shifts and reduced speeds through the work zone.

Public Transport and MCTS Alerts

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is operating on its Winter 2026 schedule, which includes frequency adjustments to address recent budget updates. Riders should be aware of the following specific impacts today:

• Route 60: A major long-term detour remains in effect between Main Street and Bluemound Road due to I-94 construction. This detour is expected to continue into 2028.
• PurpleLine: While a full detour for the 27th Street closure begins February 2, riders should expect delays today due to the existing single-lane restriction on the bridge.
• U-Pass and WisGo: Riders are reminded that the new 2026 fare structure is in effect, with single rides set at $2.75.

Event Traffic Impacts

Several major events will impact downtown and Near West Side traffic today:

• Fiserv Forum: Monster Jam Freestyle Mania begins today. Expect heavy traffic on Juneau Ave and Vel R. Phillips Ave, particularly around the 9:30 AM Pit Party and the main event starts.
• Third Space Brewing: The 8th Annual Ice Bear Fest takes place from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, likely increasing local traffic and parking demand in the Menomonee Valley.
• The Rave/Eagles Ballroom: Bone Thugs N Harmony are performing tonight; expect increased activity on Wisconsin Avenue and 24th Street.