Eight-lane I-94 East-West project proposal not in the best interest of area residents

Joint statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Robert J. Bauman   Today the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration announced their preferred alternative for […]

Eight-lane I-94 East-West project proposal not in the best interest of area residents

Joint statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy and Alderman Robert J. Bauman

 

Today the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration announced their preferred alternative for reconstruction of the I-94 East-West corridor between 70th Street and 16th Street in Milwaukee County includes an eight-lane freeway.

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.

We would encourage the public to share their thoughts on this proposal at two upcoming public hearings. The first is Monday, December 12 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, Tommy Thompson Youth Center, Gate #5, 640 S. 84th St. The second is set for Wednesday, December 14 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Marquette University High School, 3401 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Please go to https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/se/94stadiumint/involve.aspx to review reports and additional information about the proposal.