Beginning this Sunday, fans leaving Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium can expect a new option for accessing nearby freeways via local streets.

At halftime of the Vikings-Rams game, 3rd Street, currently a westbound one-way, is scheduled to become a two-way street via a contraflow lane between Park Avenue and 11th Avenue S. The reverse lane will allow fans to head east on 3rd Street before merging on to eastbound 4th Street via a crossover prior to the exits leading to I-35W and westbound I-94.

Expected to remain in place until approximately one hour after the game, the contraflow lane is designed to improve traffic flow around U.S. Bank Stadium after Vikings games and major events. Because 4th Street, an eastbound one-way, is closed for security purposes prior to and during major events at U.S. Bank Stadium, fans previously have traveled north to Washington Avenue in order to access the freeways. This new change will provide fans, particularly those departing ramps or surface lots directly north of U.S. Bank Stadium, with quicker freeway access.

While the anticipated result is a better post-game departure experience, the Vikings are asking fans to be patient during Sunday's trial run. If successful, the change will be implemented for all future Vikings games and major events at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The crossover lane is the result of multiple discussions between the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), engineering firm WSP and the City of Minneapolis, who all believe this plan will improve the game day transportation experience. The project has been paid for by the Vikings and the MSFA.