Construction crews working on I-94 change plans due to weather

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Work was supposed to begin on I-94 on Monday, March 4th, but the snow headed toward southeastern Wisconsin caused crews to alter their plans.

Drivers traveling from westbound I-794 to westbound I-94 have noticed backups and stop and go traffic on the stretch as construction crews prepare to add an auxiliary lane to I-94.

Work was supposed to begin on Monday, but Old Man Winter had other plans. Several inches of snow are expected on Tuesday.

Kurt Flierl, the construction project manager with the Wisconsin DOT says last week, crews closed the 35th Street westbound entrance to I-94 to work on lane markings. On Monday, crews were supposed to close one lane on westbound I-94 from the Marquette Interchange to 35th Street to begin construction. Snow is now delaying the major construction project.

"We are watching the weather closely. It's depending on the weather. If we get the snow they are predicting tomorrow and Wednesday night, we protract it and our work would be pushed back to Thursday night or Friday night," Flierl said.

Although weather has pushed the project back some, Flierl says contractors will adjust crews accordingly as to not prolong the travel impact or completion date.

"The traffic impacts the closure. It begins Wednesday night depending on weather will extend to mid to late April. Our project is complete in mid to late May, but the traffic impact should be wrapped up to mid to late April," Flierl said.

When the lane does close, the DOT wants drivers to use alternate routes such as State Street, Wisconsin Avenue and Canal Street.