I-94 reconstruction: Group opposes project that would expand highway
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee group on Wednesday, March 20 spoke out against an I-94 reconstruction project that recently received federal approval.
It has been an issue for years, and it seems the community is no less divided. Thousands use the interstate's six lanes each day, but opponents said the plan to expand it to eight only hurts those who live nearby.
"We need to build public transit, not more freeways," said Julie Enslow with 350.org Milwaukee.
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"Who’s at detriment here? Those who live along this I-94 corridor," said Rev. Joseph Jackson, vice president of MICAH.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's reconstruction recommendation received federal approval on March 8. With the Federal Highway Administration's authorization, the $1.4 billion East-West project from 16th Street to 70th Street could advance into final design and construction.
Milwaukee I-94 reconstruction project gets federal approval
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's reconstruction recommendation for I-94 in Milwaukee received federal approval on Friday, March 8.
The Coalition for More Responsible Transportation said more lanes equal more problems.
"More noise pollution, more air pollution, more water pollution," said Ann Bowe, a volunteer and master naturalist.
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The coalition filed a complaint with the Federal Highway Administration's civil rights office last May and said expanding the highway would disproportionately affect minorities who live nearby.
"The more cars that come, the more emissions that will impact the health of everyone that lives in this area," Enslow said.
WisDOT said the project's goal is to address safety concerns and traffic congestion. It's an initiative Nancy Hernandez of the Hispanic Collaborative agrees with.
"The project is very necessary for Wisconsin to move forward," she said. "It helps economic prosperity from an accommodation standpoint and a reinvestment standpoint."
Those against the expansion said they would rather see funds invested in I-94's existing six lanes.
WisDOT said all improvements are subject to future funding allocations. Utility work and project construction are scheduled to begin in late 2025.