I-94 East-West project; WisDOT releases preferred expansion plan
MILWAUKEE - The long-stalled Interstate 94 East-West project could be moving forward.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation on Friday, Nov. 11 released its new preferred plan to expand the stretch of highway from six to eight lanes between 16th Street and 70th Street.
After years of debate about what to do with the nearly 60-year-old stretch of highway, WisDOT said the plan will improve safety, replace aging infrastructure and reduce congestion.
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The state's report said: "This corridor has safety issues, closely spaced interchanges, a combination of left-hand and right-hand exit and entrance ramps, and deteriorated pavement."
WisDOT's preferred plan would also replace the stadium interchange with a new layout, what's called a diverging diamond interchange. It would upgrade the interchanges at Hawley Road, 35th Street and 25th Street and also connect the Hank Aaron State Trail and Oak Leaf Trail.
I-94 between 16th Street and 70th Street
Supporters of expansion said the construction will boost the economy and make the area more attractive to business.
"The numbers are the numbers. You have to look at the crash rates there, you have to look at the amount of vehicles that are already traveling," said supporter Nancy Hernandez with the Hispanic Collaborative.
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State data shows there were roughly 2,300 crashes along the corridor – roughly 1.3 per day – from 2015 through 2019. The report also said the corridor carried 158,000-178,000 vehicles on an average weekday in 2019, estimate traffic will rise 5-6% over the next three decades.
"We need to build a safe and efficient infrastructure, not just for today, but also for tomorrow and the next day," Hernandez said.
Opponents say the extra lanes are not needed.
"The reality is there’s been a change in the work habits of America, corporate America, so you're maybe seeing more and more people working from home and less reliance and necessary being on the freeways at peak travel time periods," said Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy.
The state estimates the expansion project will cost $1.2 billion. Murphy said the money is needed for other projects
"The local roads are in desperate need of funding and repair. And I’d more like to see some of that money go to those areas," he said.
I-94 East-West corridor
Some of Gov. Tony Evers' fellow Democrats in Milwaukee have also opposed the expansion. Now, his administration is accelerating it. If the announcement would've come before the Nov. 8 election, Murphy believes, it "may have cost some people some votes."
The federal government must still give final approval to green-light the project. Two public hearings are scheduled to December for residents to share their thoughts:
Monday, Dec. 12 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wisconsin State Fair Park, Tommy Thompson Youth Center, Gate 5
- 640 S. 84th Street, Milwaukee
- Transit access via MCTS Route 33.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Marquette University High School (enter from Michigan Street parking lot)
- 3401 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
- Transit access via MCTS Routes: 35, 30 and Gold Line.
WisDOT is anticipated to invest $25 million in transit solutions as a traffic mitigation strategy during construction. Short-term effects of the increased transit funding will aid Milwaukee County’s efforts to employ new transit such as the 27th Street Bus Rapid Transit.
As a result of the public involvement through the environmental document process, some impacts were reduced including smaller infrastructure footprints and less real estate acquisition.
More information on the project can be found on the WisDOT website.
Reaction
Corey Zetts, executive director of the Menomonee Valley Partners:
"We thank WisDOT and FHWA for all the work they have done on this project. WisDOT analyzed the options using the latest data, continuously sought input from stakeholders, and has incorporated stakeholder feedback for improved bike and pedestrian facilities planned along the various local roadways as part of the project. This diligence will pay dividends for decades with a reduction in congestion-related traffic accidents and a corridor ready to keep up with the region’s bright future."
Alderman Michael Murphy and Alderman Robert Bauman:
"In short, this $1.2 billion project that would add a fourth lane in each direction on the freeway is unnecessary and unwanted by those most closely residing to the area. We have heard time and time again that residents want to see valuable public dollars allocated to the repair of existing local roads, other critical local transportation infrastructure, and enhanced public transit. To invest such a hefty sum of money into a project that will disrupt businesses and homeowners represents spending priorities that do not align with what people want, especially when traffic volume doesn’t justify the need for additional lanes."
Lisa Jones, executive director and lead organizer at Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH):
"MICAH is a non-profit association of inner-city congregations with a faith commitment to social justice. Its work includes an effort to connect its congregation and community members—mostly people of color—and enable them to access employment. In that vein, MICAH has long advocated against urban highways that have divided and burdened inner-city Milwaukee. We support the Fix at Six alternative as an equitable way forward for the I-94 reconstruction."
Environmental attorney Dennis Grzezinski:
"WisDOT’s preferred alternative expands the highway corridor by 42 to 49 acres. The last thing that Milwaukee needs is a lot more impervious surface, which will only increase existing flooding problems."