Winter Weather Advisory and I-94 Construction Tighten Wednesday Commute

Commuter Alert: Snow and Construction Slowing Wednesday Travel

Milwaukee commuters should prepare for a challenging drive this Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A combination of fresh snow accumulation from overnight and significant ongoing freeway reconstruction projects are expected to impact travel times across the metro area. Local authorities are urging motorists to slow down and allow for extra following distance as road crews continue to treat major arteries.

Winter Weather Advisory and Road Conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Milwaukee and surrounding counties. Between 2 and 5 inches of snow fell across the region overnight, with the heaviest totals reported along and south of the I-94 corridor. While city plows have been active since the early morning hours, secondary roads and ramps remain slick. Visibility may be further reduced this evening as a second round of light snow is forecasted to arrive during the tail end of the afternoon rush hour, just before a period of extreme cold settles into the region.

Major Freeway and Road Closures

Ongoing work on the I-94 East-West Freeway Project continues to be the primary source of disruption for highway travelers. Key impacts for today include:

• 28th Street Entrance Ramp: The entrance ramp to westbound I-94 at 28th Street is now closed for electrical utility work. This closure is expected to last for approximately two months, and drivers are being rerouted to the 35th Street or 13th Street entrances.
• I-94 West Leg: Major pavement removals and storm sewer work are concentrated in the median areas. While lanes remain open, significant lane shifts near the Stadium Interchange require reduced speeds through the work zone.
• South Hawley Road: This corridor remains fully closed between West Park Hill Avenue and West Adler Street. Commuters who typically use Hawley Road to access I-94 should continue using 70th Street or 60th Street as primary alternatives.
• I-894 Noise Barrier Work: Expect intermittent lane and ramp closures between 76th Street and Loomis Road as WisDOT continues noise barrier construction on the south side of the interstate.

Public Transit: MCTS Service Adjustments

Riders using the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) are reminded that the first phase of the 2026 Winter Service Plan is now in effect. Following budget-related adjustments implemented on January 11, frequency has been reduced on several routes during off-peak hours. Specifically, Route 33 and Route 28 have moved to adjusted schedules on weekdays, focusing service during peak morning and afternoon windows. Additionally, the ongoing long-term closure of the 16th Street Viaduct continues to necessitate detours for Route 24 and other local transit lines.

Commuter Tips

Drivers are encouraged to allow at least 20 minutes of extra travel time this morning due to the slippery conditions. With extreme cold temperatures approaching later this week, ensure vehicles are equipped with emergency winter kits and have adequate fuel levels. For real-time updates on incidents and highway speeds, commuters should monitor official traffic maps and local alerts before departing.