MILWAUKEE — Residents living along or near S. 43rd Street will soon see significant changes as crews prepare to dig up the busy corridor for a major underground power line replacement that will stretch from Howard Avenue north to Jackson Park.
The American Transmission Company (ATC) will launch the multi-year project in mid-August, replacing aging infrastructure from the 1950s to ensure a more reliable power supply for the area. The work is expected to last until 2027, impacting daily travel, bike lanes, and parking for thousands of local commuters and neighbors.
To keep neighbors informed, Alderman Peter Burgelis and Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa announced two public meetings to answer questions and share plans. The community meetings are set for Tuesday, August 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. at Alverno College’s Sister Joel Read Center, 3400 S. 43rd St.
“All residents should feel free to attend either information session at any time,” officials said in a community alert.
Long-Term Lane Closures and Detours
Construction will temporarily remove bike and parking lanes along most of S. 43rd Street. Drivers should expect one southbound and one northbound lane to remain open north of Forest Home Avenue, but northbound traffic between Howard Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue will be detoured to 35th Street.
Residents should be prepared for occasional full lane closures as crews bring in heavy machinery for the underground utility work.
“This is a major infrastructure improvement, and we are committed to keeping residents safe and informed every step of the way,” said Burgelis and Zamarripa. “We strongly encourage anyone impacted to attend the meetings and to stay engaged. We are thankful Milwaukee DPW has committed to engage neighbors on how to best reimagine 43rd Street infrastructure when the roadway is put back after construction.”
No Expected Power Service Disruption
Despite the massive excavation and trenching, ATC says local homes and businesses should not expect their electricity to be interrupted while the new underground lines are installed. Residents can learn more at ATC’s project page.
Related Flood Control Work
The power line replacement comes alongside separate improvements by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), Milwaukee County Parks, and the Department of Public Works (DPW). That effort aims to reduce flooding risks around the 43rd Street Ditch and Kinnickinnic River, with new culverts, a floodwater detention basin, and the removal of 550 feet of aging concrete channel.
Combined, the projects aim to protect homes from flooding, improve green space, and enhance public safety — but neighbors should plan for years of construction activity and travel detours along this stretch.
Meeting Details Recap
- What: ATC Utility Project Community Meetings
- When: Tuesday, August 5 — 2-4 p.m. AND 5-7 p.m. (drop in anytime)
- Where: Alverno College, Sister Joel Read Center, 3400 S. 43rd St.
Originally reported by Ald. Peter Burgelis in Urban Milwaukee.