Zoo Interchange: DOT monitors massive project from behind the scenes

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's a project that was planned for months -- shutting down the highway so crews can do a couple of crucial things.

Haul in and set steel girders for a railroad bridge, demolish the southbound highway 100 bridge, and finally... complete some storm sewer work.

While all of that work is happening, the Department of Transportation is watching the progress from its monitor center in Milwaukee. The operations center, with eyes across Wisconsin, has special attention on the I-94 closure.

"Looking to help identify if there are trouble spots, where there are delays, accidents, other issues we would need to be aware of in quick or real-time," says Mike Pyritz, with the DOT.

The DOT room also coordinates with police and EMS.

"At all times law enforcement, fire response, ambulance service, paramedics, they are aware of where they can and cannot get to," says Pyritz.

Pyritz says a full highway closure happens all the time, but a full closure for this long, 54 hours to be exact, is very rare.

However, so far, so good.

Pyritz says the project has been hitting its mark. Three projects happening at the same time: The railroad bridge is being built, the highway 100 bridge already has its top deck done, and finally, another crew is digging a culvert underneath the freeway.

Hopefully, for drivers, it means the highway will be back open Monday morning, July 21st.