We saw lighter than normal levels of traffic this morning, perhaps because people were getting an early start to the Independence Day weekend. That in turn led to few crashes and few delays for commuters who had to go to work.
Congestion on northbound Hwy. 169 and 35W did materlize as it has for the past couple weeks due to the continued closures of Hwy. 41 and Hwy. 101 due to flooding in Shakopee and Chaska. But those delays were not as bad as they have been.
An oddity briefly shut down the ramp from southbound Snelling Avenue to eastbound Hwy. 36 when a power line fell from a nearby pole. Xcel Energy crews are on the scene making repairs.
At present, two crashes are causing minor delays on the system. They are on the ramp from southbound Hwy. 280 to westbound 94 and on westbound 694 at Rice Street. The latter is in the left lane, so move over to the right as you pass by. Remember, that is the law.
The afternoon commute should be a bit easier for those who normally use the Stillwater Lift Bridge. It will reopen at 4 p.m. according to MnDOT.
Transit providers reported now delays or issues for those using public buses and trains.
I'll be back Thursday with more live traffic reports. Until then, be safe.
