Twin Cities Traffic: Is It Getting Worse?
- Minneapolis is experiencing increased traffic congestion due to ongoing construction projects and shifts in commuting patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- According to Lind, the return of state workers and others to offices, even part-time, has led to more vehicles on the road during peak hours.
- "It's not that the traffic is worse; you have more people in it," Lind said.
Navigating the Twin Cities is getting tougher.This report reveals increased Minneapolis traffic congestion due to construction on I-94 and I-494,coupled with evolving commuting behaviors since the COVID-19 pandemic. More vehicles are clogging peak hours, impacting crucial east-west routes and pushing traffic onto the Crosstown.The shift in traffic patterns now includes a rise in midday trips. News Directory 3 breaks down insights from Lind on how returning workers, and new traffic trends, are intensifying the experience of congestion. Discover the impact of these changes and how they are affecting your commute every day. Discover what’s next …
minneapolis Traffic Congestion Increases After COVID, Construction
Updated June 23, 2025
Minneapolis is experiencing increased traffic congestion due to ongoing construction projects and shifts in commuting patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic. Key east-west routes, particularly I-94 through Minneapolis, are heavily impacted, with lanes reduced to two in each direction. Road work on I-494 in the south metro area is also contributing to the problem, pushing more vehicles onto the already busy Crosstown.
According to Lind, the return of state workers and others to offices, even part-time, has led to more vehicles on the road during peak hours. Lind noted that people who previously did not commute are now sharing the roads, intensifying the experience of congestion.
“It’s not that the traffic is worse; you have more people in it,” Lind said.
COVID-era travel trends also play a role. Surveys indicate a rise in midday and early afternoon trips as people make more frequent trips for appointments, school pick-ups, and children’s activities.
Lind added, “You have more people on the roads earlier. The shift in traffic can make it feel worse because it gets slower earlier in the afternoon.”
In contrast to the east-west routes, north-south Hwy. 100 in St. Louis Park has maintained similar congestion levels compared to last year, according to Lind.