State Fair is just weeks away! Will Zoo Interchange construction project cause problems?

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- The Wisconsin State Fair is just weeks away -- so what's with all the cranes and construction near State Fair Park? Will they be in the way once the fair starts?

"We start Thursday, July 31st, so we just have a few weeks to go!" Kristi Chuckel with the Wisconsin State Fair said.

Zoo Intechange project "Get Around Guide" map

That means the folks on the fairgrounds are firing away -- to finish their work by the time the fair starts.

"We are absolutely ramping up. It'll be a really busy three weeks," Chuckel said.

Those putting things together on the fairgrounds are not the only ones doing whatever it takes to get done by their deadline.

"We`re a little bit behind on most of our projects, with the rain, and it`s been, it`s been just tough," WISDOT Project Manager Mike Burns said.

Just a few hundred feet in front of the State Fair Park sign, construction crews are also counting down.

"If the rain doesn`t quit, we`re just gonna have to keep working round-the-clock. You may see spotlights out here. There`ll be work going on, throughout the night, 24-7, whatever it takes," Burns said.

Burns says the contractor, Walsh Construction will manage to complete key portions of the project by July 28th.

"The bottom line is we have to have the flow of traffic around State Fair. We have to have the frontage road done, along I-94. We have to have all the ramps open, on-ramps, and off-ramps, at 84th Street. And we have to have 84th Street returned to four lanes," Burns said.

Burns says a series of contingency plans has been established to ensure this happens -- even if it involves interrupting the effort during the fair.

Chuckel says she's confident this project won't prevent people from playing in the park.

"I`m not worried. Everyone`s excited, and just putting the finishing touches on everything," Chuckel said.

Chuckel says the Wisconsin State Fair website is your best bet for updates regarding how to get to, and get into this year's Wisconsin State Fair.

CLICK HERE to visit the Wisconsin State Fair's website.

CLICK HERE for complete information on the Zoo Interchange and its impact on surrounding communities.

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