Traffic Hazards on Central Avenue and I-394 Overnight Delays

Morning Commute Overview for Thursday, Feb. 12

Minneapolis commuters are facing a complex morning on the roads and rails this Thursday, February 12, 2026. While the region is currently free of a Snow Emergency, several localized traffic hazards and infrastructure maintenance projects are affecting travel times. Drivers in Northeast Minneapolis, in particular, should exercise extreme caution due to reports of erratic vehicle activity on major thoroughfares.

Traffic Hazards and Federal Activity in Northeast Minneapolis

City officials and the Minneapolis City Council have issued warnings regarding hazardous driving conditions in Northeast Minneapolis, specifically along the Central Avenue corridor. Reports from this morning indicate that federal agents associated with ongoing enforcement operations have been observed running red lights and, in some instances, traveling the wrong way on one-way streets. Commuters are advised to stay vigilant, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared for sudden maneuvers by unmarked or high-speed vehicles in the Northeast and Central Avenue areas.

I-394 and I-94 Lane Restrictions

Maintenance work continues on the city's major highway arteries. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has confirmed that intermittent overnight lane closures are currently in effect as part of the ongoing $67 million bridge and pavement project. Impacted zones include:

• I-394: Expect intermittent lane closures in both directions between downtown Minneapolis and Highway 100. These restrictions typically occur during late-night and early-morning hours but may impact those starting their commute before 6:00 a.m.
• I-94: Lane closures are occurring intermittently between the Lowry Hill Tunnel and Highway 55. This work is part of a broader safety improvement project that will escalate significantly later this month.

Metro Transit and Blue Line Accessibility Alerts

Public transport users should prepare for accessibility challenges at several light rail stations. Metro Transit has reported that multiple elevators and escalators are out of service today, which may slow down transitions for riders with mobility needs or those traveling with heavy luggage.

• Lake St/Midtown Station: Both the escalators and the south tower elevator are currently unavailable due to mechanical issues. Riders are instructed to use the north tower elevator for platform access.
• Franklin Ave Station: Both elevators at this station are currently out of service.
• Route 27: Westbound buses are currently detoured via Stevens Avenue and Lake Street; please check the transit app for specific stop closures.
• Route 827: A service change is ongoing for the commute between Anoka and downtown Minneapolis, with northbound routing adjustments through the downtown sector.

Looking Ahead

Drivers should be aware that the winter reprieve from major construction on I-394 will end on February 22. Starting that Sunday, westbound I-394 will be reduced to two lanes through mid-summer, and the Penn Avenue bridge will close entirely. For today, the primary concerns remain the erratic traffic patterns in Northeast and the ongoing transit facility repairs.