Free Transit for Transit Equity Day Amid Key Ramp Closures on I-494 and I-35W

Wednesday Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area should prepare for a mix of significant highway disruptions and a unique transit opportunity this Wednesday, February 4, 2026. While several major arteries are facing lane restrictions and ramp closures, Metro Transit is offering a reprieve for those looking to avoid the morning rush by providing free rides in honor of Transit Equity Day.

Major Highway Impacts and Lane Reductions

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has issued several alerts for travelers on major interstates today. The most significant impacts are currently found on the I-494 and I-35W corridors:

• I-494 (Eagan to Richfield): The westbound entrance ramp to I-494 from Portland Avenue and 12th Avenue is currently closed for ongoing construction. This closure is expected to last through mid-February. Motorists are advised to follow posted detours toward Nicollet Avenue.
• I-35W Northbound: Traffic is reduced to a single lane at the Exit 18 ramp to 4th Street SE. This bottleneck is causing localized backups, particularly during peak morning and afternoon hours. Commuters heading toward the University of Minnesota area should allow for an extra 10–15 minutes of travel time.
• I-394 Western Suburbs: The eastbound entrance ramp to I-394 at Louisiana Avenue remains closed. Drivers are encouraged to utilize Highway 55 as an alternative route into downtown Minneapolis.

Public Transport and Transit Equity Day

Today marks Transit Equity Day, a national celebration of the birth of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. In observance, local transit authorities have announced that all rides on Metro Transit buses and light rail lines are free for the entire day. This is an excellent opportunity for commuters to bypass highway construction and subzero temperatures.

In addition to the free fares, several service updates are in effect starting today:

• Route 27: A new stop has been added for westbound Route 27 at 26th St E and 5th Ave S, effective today.
• Northstar Replacement: As of early January, the Northstar Line has been discontinued. Commuters formerly using the rail service should look for the replacement bus services connecting the northwest metro to downtown.
• Route 14: The northbound stop at Bloomington Ave S and 40th St E remains closed due to ongoing maintenance.

Winter Driving and Safety Precautions

With subzero temperatures reported this morning, transit and road officials are urging extra caution. Drivers should be mindful of potential slick spots and ensure vehicles are equipped for extreme cold. For those waiting at transit stops, Metro Transit employees have been instructed to be extra vigilant; if you see someone in need of assistance or a warm place to wait, please report it to frontline staff.