Major Closures on I-94 and 27th Street Viaduct Impact Wednesday Commute

Significant Delays Expected Due to I-94 Modernization

Milwaukee commuters should prepare for substantial disruptions today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as several major infrastructure projects enter critical phases. The "Early East Leg" of the I-94 East-West modernization project is the primary source of traffic shifting, with major arterial closures now in full effect.

I-94 East-West Corridor and 27th Street Closure

The most significant impact for central Milwaukee drivers is the long-term closure of the 27th Street bridge over I-94. This stretch, between St. Paul Avenue and Evergreen Lane, is completely shut down for reconstruction. Additionally, the I-94 eastbound exit to 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue remains closed. Commuters who typically rely on 27th Street should detour using 35th Street or 13th Street. While nightly full freeway closures for bridge demolition usually wrap up before the morning rush, motorists may still encounter lane shifts and residual slowing near the Stadium Interchange and the Marquette Interchange.

Viaduct Closures and South Side Restrictions

The 16th Street Viaduct continues to be closed to all traffic between W. Clybourn Street and S. Emmber Lane. This project, which involves emergency beam repairs and northern unit rehabilitation, is not expected to conclude until late 2026. Drivers are encouraged to use the 6th Street or 35th Street bridges as alternatives, though these routes are experiencing higher than average volume. On the city's south side, WIS 24 (Forest Home Avenue) remains restricted to a single lane in each direction between Janesville Road and 45th Street, creating potential bottlenecks during peak hours.

MCTS Transit Alerts and New Detours

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has issued several service alerts for today. Of particular note for East Side commuters, the northbound GreenLine begins a new detour today, February 25, moving off Oakland Avenue between Capitol Drive and Hampton Avenue. Riders should check the Umo app for real-time bus locations and temporary boarding points.

• PurpleLine: Continues to detour off 27th Street between Clybourn and National due to the ongoing viaduct reconstruction.
• Route 24: Remains on a two-directional detour off the 16th Street bridge.
• Route 60: Detouring off Hawley Road from Bluemound Road to Main Street to avoid I-94 corridor work.
• Route 44U: Impacted by the continued closure of the eastbound 68th Street on-ramp to I-94.

Weather Advisory for Commuters

Driving conditions may be further complicated today by gusty southwest winds, which the National Weather Service predicts could reach up to 40 mph. These winds, combined with brief morning snow flurries, may create slushy or slick spots on elevated surfaces and bridges. High-profile vehicles should exercise extreme caution on the Hoan Bridge and other exposed freeway segments. Commuters using public transit are advised to bundle up, as wind chills will remain low throughout the morning wait times.