Major Closures on I-94 and Freezing Drizzle Alert for Friday Morning Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Milwaukee commuters should prepare for a challenging Friday morning as a combination of long-term construction projects and slick road conditions impact the metro area. The National Weather Service has issued a warning regarding patchy light drizzle and freezing drizzle moving across southern Wisconsin this morning, March 6, 2026. Untreated roads and elevated surfaces may have a light glaze of ice, so motorists are advised to exercise extra caution during the early hours.

I-94 East-West Corridor Impacts

The "Early East Leg" of the massive I-94 East-West reconstruction project is now in full swing, bringing significant disruptions to the near west side. Commuters should be aware of the following major closures:

• 27th Street Bridge: The bridge over I-94 remains closed to all traffic as part of a long-term reconstruction effort. Motorists should use 35th Street or 13th Street as primary north-south alternates.
• I-94 EB Exit to 26th Street: The eastbound exit to 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue is closed. Drivers heading toward the Menomonee Valley should plan for detours.
• 28th Street Entrance Ramp: The entrance to I-94 westbound at 28th Street is currently closed for utility work. This closure is expected to last through the end of the month.

Expect intermittent lane shifts and slower speeds between 70th Street and 16th Street as crews continue utility and widening work.

I-43 and Local Roadworks

While the major 14-mile I-43 North-South expansion was recently celebrated as complete, final maintenance work continues. Today, Friday, March 6, a maintenance closure is scheduled on I-43 Northbound from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Additionally, I-43 Southbound continues to see construction activity between Bender Road and Brown Deer Road, which may lead to periodic lane restrictions.

In the city, West Center Street is closed between North 50th and 52nd Streets, and North 51st Street is closed from Clarke to Hadley for underground electrical work. These local closures are expected to remain in place through March 9.

Public Transit Alerts (MCTS)

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) riders should prepare for significant route modifications. While major Phase II service cuts and schedule changes officially begin this Sunday, March 8, several construction-related detours are currently active:

• PurpleLine: Detouring off 27th Street between Clybourn and National Avenue due to I-94 construction.
• Route 24: Continuing to detour off the 16th Street Bridge over the Menomonee River Valley.
• Route 44U: Detouring due to the ongoing closure of the 68th Street on-ramp to I-94.

Transit users are encouraged to check their specific route schedules today, as many arrival times have been shifted to accommodate these detours.