Commuters on westbound I-94 lost a critical entry point into downtown Minneapolis Wednesday when the ramp to 5th Street closed. It will remain closed until June 1, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

About 6,000 to 9,000 vehicles used the ramp near U.S. Bank Stadium each day, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic counts

The official detour will take drivers off westbound I-94 at Cedar Avenue, then north to Washington Avenue to 4th Avenue South.

Many motorists, however, may opt to remain on westbound I-94 and use the 11th Street exit ahead. That option does connect with a ramp onto Grant Street for those who need to circle back toward the area near Hennepin County Medical Center.

Be forewarned, the 11th Street ramp is prone to ramp jams during morning rush hours as it also handles traffic coming into downtown Minneapolis.

MnDOT and the city of Minneapolis is building a new ramp from westbound I-94 at 7th Street, which is the reason for the closure.