I-94 to Expand Out (Not Up) in Milwaukee

"The proposed expansion of the I-94 east-west freeway between 16th and 70th streets in Milwaukee will be accomplished in the traditional way by adding a lane of traffic in each direction," reports Don Behm. The "traditional way" is opposed to an alternative proposal that would have build a second level for a 2,000-foot corridor through the Spring Hill Cemetery.

"The revised cost of the eight-lane expansion is estimated at $850 million — less than the $1.5 billion estimate for the most expensive option," adds Behm.

In a separate, earlier article covering the expansion plans, Behm noted differences of opinions about how much traffic the freeway should expect in the future. 

According to a study by the state Department of Transportation the section of freeway under consideration "carries between 143,000 to 160,500 vehicles on an average weekday. By 2040, traffic volumes are expected to rise to around 160,000 to 186,000 vehicles per weekday."

However, "opponents of expansion claim vehicle numbers are dropping. A 2014 report by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin found that traffic counts on this stretch of highway decreased 8% from 2000 to 2012."