Three weeks after 5th Street between 11th Avenue and Park Avenue closed, drivers are finding that getting into downtown Minneapolis is problematic.

Several mornings, including Monday, drivers encountered gridlock trying to exit westbound 94 at 5th Street. The ramp is open,but the detour that takes drives over to Washington Avenue or 7th Street has led to big traffic backups. Traffic lights at 5th Street and 11th Avenue and at 6th Street at 11th Avenue prevent a smooth traffic flow.

With few good alternates available, drivers will need patience and hope they hit a pocket with lighter traffic.

Until fall, that is, when one lane of westbound 5th Street near the Vikings' stadium will reopen.

Fifth Street will be reduced to a single westbound lane between 11th Avenue and Park Avenue, meaning once the project is done, drivers coming off of I-94 will still be able to access Portland Avenue, Park Avenue, 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

Sixth Street will be reduced to two eastbound lanes to funnel motorists to Interstate 94.

Additionally the current bicycle lanes on 5th and 6th streets will be replaced with a two-way trail that will follow the current alignment of 5th Street and wind around the south side of the Vikings stadium. The trail will link up with other city trails and allow cyclists to ride around the new stadium.