Swan Boulevard over Highway 45 in Wauwatosa repoens

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Swan Boulevard reopened on Friday afternoon, December 20th, giving drivers another route to take over Highway 45. The road had been closed for less than half a year.

"Five months to build a half-mile, divided roadway, a new bridge, quite a bit of an embankment and retaining wall next to 45," said project manager Kurt Flierl.

Representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Wauwatosa participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of Swan Blvd.

"We've delivered another key project on time, on schedule," said Ryan Luck, WisDOT Southeast Freeways Construction Chief. "It's very important that these projects are in place. These big, mega-projects require a series of projects to be delivered on time for the plan to work."

Luck says the completion of Swan Blvd. and Highway 100 are key components in the next phase of the Zoo Interchange reconstruction. Crews expect drivers will appreciate the improved access provided by what's known as a new, divided arterial -- giving access across Highway 45 and to and from Wauwatosa Research Park.

WisDOT says Swan Blvd. will also be an important detour route come January 6th.

"In about two weeks we're going to close through-access on Watertown Plank Road. It's critical that Swan Boulevard opened in advance of that closure, because it's a detour route," said Flierl.

Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow and pay attention to the new signs along Swan Blvd. as they get used to the new route.