Good morning, commuters!
Today's the day when three big road projects threaten to clog traffic and disrupt commuting patterns.
Up first is the reconfiguration of Hwy. 100 through St. Louis Park. The highway was shut down over the weekend, but has since reopened in both directions between I-394 and the Crosstown. Today, the highway slims down to two lanes in each direction between I-394 and 36th Street. This could bring delays.
In Minneapolis, 5th Street in the area of the new Vikings stadium closes to traffic between 11th Avenue and Park Avenue. Motorists will be able to exit westbound I-94 and get to 11th Avenue. The detour will direct drivers to Washington Avenue or 7th Street. The closure will not affect 6th Street.
And a couple blocks of southbound Hennepin Avenue will be closed as CenterPoint Energy begins utility work. Look for blockades in place this week at 1st Street. Traffic will be diverted right on 1st Street up to 1st Avenue, then left over to Washington Avenue, then left back to Hennepin. First street in both directions will remain open to traffic.
I'll be keeping an eye on the roads and rails this morning, reporting any delays or issues — and I will need your help.
If you see or hear about any congestion, delays or problems, e-mail drive@startribune or tweet @stribdrive.
