TRAFFIC ALERT: 31-hour closure of westbound I-94 lanes begins Friday night



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will be installing a storm sewer under the westbound lanes of I-94 which will require a full freeway closure. The work will begin at 11 p.m. Friday night and will continue until 6 a.m. on Sunday. The freeway will be closed at the Stadium Interchange with motorists being directed to posted detour routes.

Drivers have been adjusting to new traffic patterns and a variety of closures and detours.

For 31 hours this weekend it's a one-way ticket to Milwaukee. I-94 will get you in, but it won't get you out.

"We are going to squeeze a lot in during this closure. The department has a very tight timeline for the Zoo Interchange Project. We need to get some work done so the work can progress," said Mark Klipstean, with the Wisconsin DOT.

Westbound 94 between the stadium and Zoo Interchange is a non-starter -- Friday night it shutting down at 11 p.m.

Crews will be digging and installing storm sewer pipes on the last weekend before Christmas. Right around the time you're squeezing in last minute holiday shopping.

Maybe a detour down Greenfield Avenue is exactly what you need to round out your gift buying. Rodrigo Castaneda and his niece, Michelle, just opened a shop called RC Antique Furniture on the already busy drag.

But Zoo Interchange closures are sending even more people their way.

"Skip the traffic, stop in for a little while and see the downtown area," said Castaneda.

That's the upside of shutting down a major route.

"The traffic from the interchange is going to be nothing but good for me," said Castaneda.

As much as drivers might dread the go-around, you might end up with a pleasant surprise.

"Keep your eyes open, you might find something new you've never seen," said Michelle Budnik, works at RC Vintage Furniture.

Besides Greenfield Avenue, the DOT is again suggesting Bluemound Road and the I-894 bypass.

Westbound is expected to open back up Sunday morning at 6 a.m.

To get around the closure, motorists should utilize:


    Backups are expected to develop during the day on Saturday along I-94 westbound between the Stadium and Marquette Interchanges. Motorists are being encouraged to consider using routes other that the posted detours if delays are being reported. If your weekend includes traveling on I-94 westbound in this area, don’t let the construction change your plans.

    View more information on the project at zoointerchange.wi.gov.