Prayer service expected to impact downtown Minneapolis traffic Wednesday morning

Emily Storm KSTP

Prayer service expected to impact downtown Minneapolis traffic Wednesday morning

Minneapolis officials say afternoon traffic is not expected to be affected, since the prayer service ends at 11 a.m.

If you’re headed downtown Wednesday morning, you may want to plan ahead.

Increased traffic is likely downtown as thousands are expected to gather at 6 a.m. Wednesday in the Minneapolis Convention Center for a prayer service.

Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday, will attract additional traffic downtown on Wednesday during the morning commute. Minneapolis officials say afternoon traffic is not expected to be affected, since the prayer service ends at 11 a.m.

Due to heavy morning traffic around the convention center, people driving into downtown for work and other events are advised by the city of Minneapolis to plan alternative routes and allow for extra travel time.

A guide to convention center parking can be found for anyone attending the prayer service.

Eid al-Adha is meant to honor the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice one of his sons, and it also marks the completion of the annual holy pilgrimage. The holiday is celebrated by Muslims around the world.