Drivers take note: Full freeway closure planned in Zoo Interchange next weekend

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is giving drivers more than a week notice about a full freeway closure in the Zoo Interchange.

Beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday July 18th, I-94 will be closed to traffic between WIS 100 in the west and the Zoo Interchange in the east. The closure will allow the new bridge spans for the Union Pacific Railroad lines to be placed over I-94.

"Condensing it into one weekend saves us several months in completion time on the project," said Mike Burns, DOT Construction Project Manager. "Otherwise we would be doing night closures every night for weeks on end."

In addition to the work on the rail bridge, the west span of WIS 100 will be demolished as work continues to progress on the reconstruction of the WIS 100 Interchange.

A large diameter storm sewer pipe will also be installed across the freeway in the construction zone during the closure. The closure is scheduled to be completed by 5:30 a.m. on Monday July 21st.

Traffic backups and delays are anticipated along the freeway segments approaching the closure. WisDOT has been working to minimize the impacts for motorists traveling to various functions taking place during the closure.

"Don't let the construction stop you from getting to your destination. We still have a lot of very good routes in place and we have the law enforcement in place to make sure that you can get there," said Burns.

By visiting the project web site, motorists can plan routes to get to locations across the region with minimal delays. There is no reason not to travel during that time period, however avoiding the construction area will help limit delays experienced.

The work is weather dependent. Extended severe storms or lighting will result in the work being postponed to another date.

CLICK HERE to visit the full freeway closure site for detailed alternate routes and construction information.