Major Closures on 27th Street Viaduct and I-94 Ramps Disrupt Commute

Milwaukee Traffic and Commute Update: February 10, 2026

Commuters in the Milwaukee area should prepare for significant delays today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as several major infrastructure projects reach critical phases. The most impactful disruption remains the long-term closure associated with the WisDOT I-94 East-West Freeway Project. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes before heading out this morning.

Major Highway and Arterial Disruptions

The I-94 East-West Project is currently causing major bottlenecks across the Menomonee River Valley. Key closures to watch for today include:

• 27th Street Viaduct: The viaduct over the Menomonee River is completely closed to traffic. This closure, which began earlier this month, is expected to remain in place through late 2026. Commuters who typically use this north-south connection are advised to detour via 35th Street or 13th Street.
• I-94 Ramps: The on and off-ramps at 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue are currently shut down. These closures are significantly impacting access to the downtown area from the west.
• South Hawley Road: Roadwork continues between West Park Hill Avenue and West Adler Street. This segment is closed to vehicular traffic as part of the broader freeway reconstruction effort.
• 16th Street Viaduct: This remains closed from West Clybourn Street to West Pierce Street for ongoing bridge inspections and essential repairs.

Public Transit and MCTS Alerts

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is operating under its Winter 2026 Service Plan, which includes several frequency adjustments and long-term detours. Riders should check the Umo app for real-time tracking.

• PurpleLine: A major detour is in effect off 27th Street between Clybourn and National. Buses are being rerouted to accommodate the viaduct closure.
• Route 24: This route continues to detour off the 16th Street Bridge. MCTS officials indicate all trip times have been shifted to account for the increased travel time on this detour.
• Route 31: Ongoing construction on State Street has resulted in the inactivation of several stops near Wauwatosa and Harwood. Riders should board at State and N. 74th Street instead.

Winter Driving and Safety Warnings

With seasonal conditions in effect, WisDOT has activated the Frozen Road Law for heavier haul loads, which may lead to increased truck traffic on major state highways. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is reminding all drivers to give snowplows at least 200 feet of space. Following a series of incidents where plows were struck earlier this winter, officials emphasize that road conditions are often much worse in front of the plow. Please drive for the conditions and stay alert for maintenance crews working on I-94 and I-43 throughout the day.