I-94 repavement project is complete, one week ahead of schedule

MILWAUKEE -- The I-94 east-west repavement project is complete, allowing traffic to flow more smoothly starting with Thursday's morning commute. This is a huge sigh of relief for commuters who regularly travel along I-94 near Miller Park.

All lanes on I-94 eastbound reopened early Thursday morning, June 14th. The I-94 eastbound exit ramp to Mitchell Boulevard, the Mitchell Boulevard entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound, and the 68th Street ramp to I-94 eastbound also reopened.

The $60 million repavement project began last year, with work along the westbound lanes. In February 2012, the eastbound lanes from 70th Street to 32nd Street were reduced by one lane, and some ramps were closed.

Drivers experienced a smoother ride and a faster commute, with new signs and new lighting along I-94.

"I think it's amazing.  It's about time. It was always just jam packed, full of people.  You just got to account for that going to work and add another 20 to 30 minutes every day," driver Tony Houston said Thursday.

Officials say 160,000 commuters use I-94 daily. The project was completed one week early, as officials say they had hoped to have it completed in time for Summerfest.

"We had great weather.  We started in February -- very early.  We had a little snow, and that didn't hamper us and we've had great weather throughout the project and that really allowed us to work the long hours during the weekends and night.  Our committment to downtown activities, such as Summerfest and the Brewers have been met, and so we're really excited about the news," Bob Gutierrez with the Wisconsin DOT said.

There is still paint work that needs to be finished in the westbound lanes, but that will be done overnight, so most drivers won't be affected.

CLICK HERE for more on the project via the DOT pave94.org website.