New bottlenecks developed on 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis Monday as work on sewer line began at the intersection of Nicollet Mall.

Westbound 7th Street is now reduced to a single lane during the day between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. , meaning evening commuters won't feel the pinch as much as those traveling in the morning or during the midday. The work will continue through Aug. 24

On Monday afternoon, traffic was backed up 2 blocks back to near 2nd Avenue South.

The lane closure also is impacting bus riders. Metro Transit routes 5, 19, 22, 94, 134, 353, 355, 365, 375, 721, 724, 755, 758 and 764 are not stopping to pick up passengers at stops either side of Nicollet Mall. Riders are being directed to catch their buses at the stop between 2nd and 3rd Avenues S. or at on the west side of Hennepin Avenue.

On a positive traffic note, motorists may find things faster and easier over on 9th or 11th Streets. While road work on LaSalle Avenue continues, Minneapolis Public Works officials say both 9th and 11th Streets will be back to three westbound lanes. However, there will still be some slow downs as the pavement crossing LaSalle will be 2 inches lower than at other places along both streets.

On 7th Street, all travel lanes are supposed be open for evening commutes.