traffic080407

No major traffic delays in morning rush hour

Rush hour on the second day without the Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge over the Mississippi River is off to a smooth start with no major backup on the metro area's other major arteries, said Tom Heininger, a spokesman for MnDOT's Regional Transportation Management Center in Roseville.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: August 3, 2007 - 8:06 AM

Drivers heading westbound into Minneapolis on Interstate Hwy. 94 will encounter slowdowns from Snelling Avenue to Hwy. 280, but "traffic is still moving and it is not stopped yet," Heininger said.

Motorist also are encountering minor slowdowns on the Cedar Avenue ramp at I-94 to go southbound on Hwy. 55. Heininger said the traffic lights might be re-timed to improve traffic flow.

Elsewhere, Heininger reported no major traffic snarls

MnDOT traffic maps show some congestion on eastbound Interstate 694 in the vicinity of 35W. Snelling Avenue is seeing a bit more traffic than usual.

No problems were reported on Hwy. 280, which MnDOT has turned into a temporary freeway to help ferry traffic that normally uses I-35W.

"Monday will be the real test," Heininger said.

And when the State Fair starts and the University of Minnesota begins classes, "that will be tough on Hwy. 280."

Tim Harlow • harlow@startribune.com