The RNC has kept Milwaukee's downtown commuters away, at least so far

It looks like the Republican National Convention has kept Milwaukee's downtown commuters at bay ? so far at least.

Many expected traffic to be heavy amid the convention this week due to increased security and road closures. But that wasn't the case on Monday and Tuesday ? at least during peak commute hours along the Marquette Interchange where Interstate 43, I-94 and I-794 meet, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The linchpin of Milwaukee's freeway system sits just southwest where this week's historic events are taking place.

Compared to the week before the RNC, traffic was down 20% on Monday and Tuesday during peak morning commute hours along the interchange, according to the WISDOT data. Peak morning commute hours are considered 7 to 10 a.m.

So far, there has been a downtick during evening commute hours from 3 to 6 p.m. as well, down about 7% from the week before the convention.

In fact, there has only been an uptick in traffic during peak evening hours along the west leg of the interchange, up just over 9%.

The convention, which started on Monday, will wrap up Thursday night.

After that, commuter traffic ? and Milwaukee in general ? will likely return to business as usual.

Reach Caitlin Looby at [email protected] or follow her on X @caitlooby.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's commuter traffic is down this week, thanks to the RNC