"We want more and better options:" Some not happy with DOT's plan to expand I-94

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's about options, but depending on who you're listening to, the options are too few or almost perfect. The proposed expansion of I-94 through Milwaukee is moving forward while facing protests.

If there is an expansion of I-94, it would take place between 70th Street to the west, and 16th Street to the east.

The Wisconsin DOT has two plans to choose from, but others are calling for completely different options.

On a regular basis, traffic slows along I-94 in the heart of Milwaukee, creating congestion and delays.

"We`re advocating for WisDOT to give us more and better options," Bruce Speight said.

On Monday, June 16th outside of an informational public meeting on the possible expansion of I-94, a group of around two dozen people tried to be heard.

"We`re saying you need to go back to the drawing board," Speight said.

Speight, the Director of the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, which leads the protest, doesn't like the options given by the DOT for the proposed project.

"The only option they`re putting on the table right now is a massive, wasteful highway expansion project," Speight said.

At Monday's meeting, the DOT displayed two possible plans for the expansion.

"On the west end, there`s a double deck alternative and an eight-lane grade alternative. On the east end there`s an on alignment and off alignment. (I-94 has) been in service for over 50 years. It`s got significant design deficiencies. It was built for much less traffic than it`s taking on right now," Brian Bliesner, Project Development Chief for the DOT said.

While the DOT is looking to pick a final plan by next year, Speight's group believes these two final options shouldn't be the only ones.

"More transit, more bike infrastructure, more pedestrian infrastructure. There are better, smarter ways," Speight said.

The DOT sees this expansion as a must.

"It`s a major arterial in the heart of Milwaukee County. It`s got significant access for a  significant portion of Milwaukee County jobs and employment," Bliesner said.

The DOT hopes to be able to put their final plan in front of the state Legislature next year to get funding for construction.

Speight's group believes the money should go to other infrastructure and transit concerns instead of highway expansion.