Just like clockwork, the jams on northbound Hwy. 169 and 35W developed right around 6:30 a.m. and remained in place for the duration of the commute. Trip times on 35W from Crystal Lake Road to downtown Minneapolis peaked at about 40 minutes. At this hour, it's still tight across the Minnesota River bridge, but better ahead.
Ducks crossing the freeway led to a sudden tie up at Diamond Lake Road for a few minutes. Word is mama and the ducklings made it across okay.
Northbound Hwy. 169 is moving near the posted speeds at this hour now that congestion had dissipated. BUt it was murderous for a while with trip times from Canterbury Road to 494 averaging 20 minutes for most of the rush. A crash around 8 a.m. at County 83 also choked traffic.
North metro drivers got caught in a log jam on southbound 35W when a crash at County Road 96 took out the right shoulder and debris spilled into the right lane around 7:45 a.m. That backed up traffic to 95th Avenue in Blaine and led to 35-minute trips to Minneapolis.
Overall few wrecks and good road conditions helped traffic flow well elsewhere, but westbound 94 drivers from Woodbury to St. Paul encountered slow and go traffic as usual from White Bear Avenue to downtown St. Paul.
Remember that roads around Minnehaha Park are now closed for President Obama's visit today. His motorcade will bring road closures around MSP airport and the park after 12:30 p.m., so be ready for the rolling closures.
