Bad news for commuters who use the HOT lanes on eastbound-394. For the third time in a week, the gate arms to the reversible segment of the carpool lane at Hwy. 100 won't go up. That means eastbound traffic will have to use the general traffic lanes.

Or here is one trick: Drivers can use the Hwy. 100 exit from eastbound 394, and then access the MnPASS lane from Hwy. 100.

Drivers from both directions Hwy. 100 can still access the HOT lane.

The gate arms malfunctioned on Jan. 3 due to an electrical problem. On Monday this week, a hydraulic problem kept the gates in the down position. There was no immediate word on what is behind today's failure.

A technician is on the way to take a look, a MnDOT spokesman said.