Construction begins on I-94 expansion project in Milwaukee 

Construction is underway on a major interstate expansion project in Milwaukee.

The Interstate-94 East-West Freeway Project will widen the interstate from six to eight lanes along a 3.5-mile stretch on the city’s west side. The project aims to “modernize the corridor by improving safety, replacing aging infrastructure and reducing congestion,” according to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation statement.

Work on the West Leg segment, the first segment of the $1.7 billion project, began early Monday morning. Construction on the first leg is expected to last through 2028.

The corridor where the work is taking place is one of the busiest in the state. Approximately 158,000 to 178,000 vehicles travel on the route every day, according to the Wisconsin DOT. A notification on the project website said drivers who travel on the route should “expect long-term lane and ramp closures along I-94 as work continues.”

Construction groups have said the project could create up to 10,000 jobs. However, environmental and civil rights groups have fought against the plans.

Opponents of the project believe the expansion will negatively impact people of color, as a majority of Black and Hispanic residents live along the corridor. Environmental groups have also argued that the project will worsen climate change.

But the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced in March of 2024 that the project received approval from the Federal Highway Administration.