Hoan Bridge closure creates new traffic patterns



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The closure of I-794 and the Hoan Bridge Friday night, January 3rd is only scheduled to last through Saturday afternoon, however it marks the beginning of new traffic patterns.

"There's a few changes that are unfamiliar to people so we're encouraging folks to take it easy and drive slow," said Carolynn Gellings with the Wisconsin DOT. "The purpose of that is to finish up pavement markings, signing and barrier placements to do a traffic switch."

Gellings says normally the closure would only be overnight, but warming temperatures through the night into Saturday played a pivotal role.

"We're going to try and extend that closure into the day to get the pavement markings to have more reflectivity and show up and last longer in this weather," said Gellings.

The DOT says the closures will run from 4th St. to Carferry Dr. During the overnight hours, drivers coming from the north or south will be detoured at Plankinton Ave. and drivers from the west will exit at 6th St.

"That changes the geometry a little bit," Gellings said. "We've got some reversed ramps that will be in effect."

Following the closure, there will be two northbound lanes and one southbound lane open.

The Milwaukee St. off-ramp will be reversed and will become the new on-ramp for 794 heading south. That change goes into effect Saturday at 2 p.m.