Milwaukee commuters are being warned to prepare for a major construction project on Interstate 94 that will stretch through the city for the next several years. The $1.8 billion project will upgrade a 3.5-mile stretch from 16th to 70th streets, expanding the freeway from three lanes in both directions to four between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges. Construction is expected to last up to eight years, with completion targeted for 2033.
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“Not only is it falling apart, but there’s safety issues. There’s a high crash rate in this area than we see on other freeway systems around the state, and it needs to be brought up to standards,” said Jason Roselle, WisDOT Southeast Wisconsin Freeway Chief.
The project will also include improvements through sensitive areas, such as the Wood National Cemetery, where lanes will be widened without relocating any graves. “For about 1,500 feet, we're going to be narrowing down to 11-foot lanes and smaller shoulders through that section,” Roselle explained.
The first phase will focus on the western portion of the project, from General Mitchell Blvd. to 70th Street, and construction will be completed in phases to minimize traffic disruptions. WisDOT plans to maintain two lanes in each direction during peak hours, while ramp and lane closures will occur intermittently.
“Milwaukee is still open for business but be patient. Plan for some alternate routes. We're going to keep the freeway open at all times, but obviously with reduced lanes, there's going to be some additional congestion,” said Sean Race, WisDOT Construction Supervisor.
Preparation work is set to begin as soon as Monday, with crews setting up traffic management systems, including orange barrels and temporary signals. Lane closures are expected to start the week of November 3, affecting ramps such as Hawley Road.
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The I-94 expansion is designed to reduce congestion, improve commuter safety, and modernize an aging section of the freeway that has historically experienced a high accident rate. WisDOT emphasizes that the construction project will upgrade roadway standards, including lane width, shoulder space, and safety features, bringing the freeway in line with current interstate requirements.
Roselle noted that, beyond safety, the expansion will increase capacity to accommodate growing traffic volumes in Milwaukee, especially as regional development continues to boost demand on the city’s major arteries.
The project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs across the region, supporting local labor unions and contractors. WisDOT officials are also working closely with local businesses and residents to mitigate disruptions, including implementing temporary detours and signage to maintain safe traffic flow.
“You’re going to see a lot of orange drums starting to show up,” Race said, emphasizing the visibility of preparatory activity in the coming days. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, adjust commuting schedules where possible, and stay informed through WisDOT traffic updates.
The I-94 expansion project represents one of Milwaukee’s largest highway improvements in decades, promising enhanced mobility, safety, and infrastructure resilience for years to come.
Originally reported by Hannah Hilyard in WISN.
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