News Summary
The state of Wisconsin is launching a significant reconstruction project on Interstate 94 in Milwaukee, with a budget of $121 million for the first phase. This work will enhance the roadway to four lanes in each direction and modify surrounding interchanges. Preliminary work starts soon, and drivers should prepare for major traffic impacts and lane closures. The project is part of a broader $1.74 billion plan to improve the aging freeway, anticipated to take several years to complete, and aims to accommodate increasing traffic demands.
Milwaukee Begins Major Reconstruction on I-94 this Month
The state of Wisconsin is set to commence the reconstruction of Interstate 94 in Milwaukee later this month. Governor Tony Evers has approved a budget of $121 million for the first major segment of the I-94 East-West project, known as the West Leg Segment, which will extend between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive.
Project Details and Timeline
Work on the West Leg Segment will expand the interstate to four lanes in each direction, enhancing the flow of traffic along this busy corridor. The project also includes significant changes to the surrounding interchanges, including the Hawley Road Interchange, which will be reconstructed as a half-interchange, and the 68th Street/70th Street Interchange.
Preliminary work is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 27, with significant traffic impacts anticipated starting the week of November 3. Drivers should prepare for major closures, which will include:
- One lane closed in each direction.
- Closure of the Hawley Road Interchange.
- Closure of the southbound WIS 175 ramp to westbound I-94.
- Closure of the 68th Street ramp to eastbound I-94.
- Closure of the ramp from southbound WIS 175 to Frederick Miller Way for 30 days.
The entirety of the West Leg Segment is projected to be completed by late 2028, though completion dates may vary due to weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Drivers are encouraged to utilize local and regional alternate routes and to plan for possible delays by adding extra travel time into their schedules.
Scope of the I-94 Reconstruction Project
The West Leg Segment is part of a much larger renovation effort on I-94, with the total cost of the comprehensive project reaching $1.74 billion. This extensive initiative aims to rebuild the aging freeway between N. 16th and N. 70th streets, replacing the existing six-lane roadway with an expanded eight-lane configuration designed to accommodate increasing traffic demands.
Once completed, this project will also replace the Stadium Interchange, which is scheduled to be the last element of the reconstruction, kicking off in 2029. The entire corridor includes 43 bridges and has been in operation since the early 1960s, now accommodating between 158,000 and 178,000 vehicles daily.
Future Phases of Construction
While construction activities on the western leg will continue until 2028, the eastern portion of the I-94 reconstruction is not scheduled to begin until that year, although an “Early East Leg” project is planned for this year. As the project progresses, more information regarding construction updates will be made available through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) I-94 East-West project website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee I-94 Construction
- Wikipedia: Interstate 94
- Urban Milwaukee: Construction on Interstate 94 Widening
- Google Search: Milwaukee I-94 construction
- JSONline: I-894, I-43, I-41 Closures in Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Interstate Highway System
- Fox 6 Now: I-41 and I-94 Construction Projects
- Google News: Milwaukee interstate construction
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
