We begin Monday with a major ramp closure that will affect commuters in the east metro. MnDOT overnight closed the ramp from eastbound 694 to southbound I-35E in Little Canada.

During the ramp closure, MnDOT is sending traffic east on I-694 to Hwy. 61. Motorists will use the ramps and loops at Hwy. 61 to return to westbound 694 and then south on I-35W. The department recommends that commuters find an alternate route to avoid congestion. This closure will be in effect until mid-September.

On the roads at this hour, look out for a crash on westbound I-394 approaching Xenia Avenue, that's just past the Hwy. 100 exits. The State Patrol is on the scene.

Metro Transit begins new express service from Ham Lake, East Bethel and Blaine to downtown Minneapolis today. Route 865 will run along Hwy. 65 starting next Monday.