Snowy Conditions and I-394 Lane Reductions Impact Sunday Commutes

Winter Weather Advisory: Slick Roads and Reduced Visibility

Minneapolis drivers should prepare for challenging road conditions this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as a fast-moving Alberta Clipper system sweeps through the region. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Twin Cities metro area, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches of fresh snow expected. The bulk of the accumulation is forecasted to fall through the mid-morning hours, but lingering flurries and wind gusts of up to 30 mph will likely cause blowing snow and sudden reductions in visibility throughout the afternoon.

Transportation officials are urging motorists to slow down and increase following distances. Slick spots are particularly prevalent on elevated surfaces, bridge decks, and highway ramps. If you must travel, allow for extra time and ensure your vehicle is fully cleared of snow before departing.

Major Construction: I-394 and I-94 Lane Restrictions

Commuters utilizing the western gateway to downtown Minneapolis will encounter significant long-term construction impacts that have intensified this month. Key disruptions include:

• I-394 Westbound: Traffic is reduced to two lanes between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. All westbound traffic has been shifted into the E-ZPass lanes. During this phase, tolls are suspended, and the lanes are open to all vehicles regardless of occupancy.
• Ramp Closures: The ramp from Westbound I-394 to Park Place Boulevard and Xenia Avenue remains closed. Additionally, the transition from Eastbound I-94 to Westbound I-394 is restricted, necessitating detours via local arteries.
• Nightly Work: Expect intermittent lane closures on I-94 in both directions between the Lowry Hill Tunnel and Highway 55 as crews continue bridge and ramp repairs.

Public Transport and Transit Alerts

Metro Transit has reported several alerts affecting Sunday travelers. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues to impact regional lines, specifically Route 64, which remains detoured off Washington Street between 6th and 5th Streets until 10:00 PM tonight. In Minneapolis, Blue Line riders should be aware of ongoing facility issues: escalators at the Lake St/Midtown Station are currently unavailable, and both elevators at the Franklin Ave Station remain out of service due to mechanical issues. A station ramp is available at Franklin Ave for those with mobility needs.

Event-Related Traffic Congestion

High traffic volumes are expected near major venues today. The Minneapolis Home and Remodeling Show at US Bank Stadium will draw significant crowds through the afternoon. Nearby, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is hosting the City of Lakes Loppet, which will cause localized congestion and parking restrictions on adjacent residential streets. Finally, those heading to the Orpheum Theatre for performances of "Chicago" should anticipate delays on Hennepin Avenue due to theater-goer traffic and ongoing downtown safety improvements on 9th and 10th Streets.