Preliminary work for the $1.5 billion construction project to rebuild the 3.5-mile long segment of I-94 East-West Project between 16th Street and 70th Street in Milwaukee County is expected to commence on Oct. 27.
The I-94 East-West corridor is one of the busiest routes in Wisconsin. The route serves approximately 158,000-178,000 vehicles daily. It was originally constructed in the early 1960s.
First Phase Funds Received Approval
Additionally, on Wednesday the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that Gov. Tony Evers has approved $121 million for the first phase of the project that will be utilized to rebuild I-94 between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive. Additionally, the I-94 will be expanded to four lanes in each direction.
The Hawley Road interchange will be reconstructed as a half interchange with the elimination of ramps to and from the east and access to and from the west will remain. Furthermore, the project will also include reconstruction of the 68th Street/70th Street interchange.
Contractor
Pewaukee-based Zignego Company Inc. Is the prime contractor for this portion of the I-94 East-West project, called the West Leg Segment.
Construction on the West Leg Segment is scheduled to be complete by late 2028.
Also, the entire I-94 East-West project, which will also include the reconstruction of the Stadium Interchange, is expected to last until 2032.
Furthermore, states in the US are gearing up their transport infrastructure with upgrades and new projects. Therefore, in relation to this, California is seeking to develop a high speed in the state. Once the high-speed rail is developed, it will enable faster movement of goods and people and contribute to the state’s economy growth.
I-94 East-West Project Factsheet
Goal: To improve safety, reduce congestion, and replace aging infrastructure (pavement and bridges) built in the early 1960s. The corridor has crash rates significantly higher than the statewide average.
Scope:
- Widening: The project is planned to widen the freeway from six lanes to eight lanes (four in each direction).
- Interchanges: It includes reconstruction of the Stadium Interchange (WIS 175/WIS 341/Brewer Blvd) into a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), and reconstruction/modification of several local interchanges (e.g., 70th/68th Street, Hawley Road).
- Safety Improvements: Modernizing design standards, including eliminating left-side movements at the Stadium Interchange.
Cost: The project is estimated to cost around $1.5 billion.
Construction start: Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025 and is a multi-year effort.
Phases (Anticipated):
- West Leg Segment: The first major construction piece, running from 70th Street to Zablocki Drive, scheduled to be completed by late 2028.
- Stadium and East Leg Construction: Expected to continue after the West Leg, potentially through 2033.
