MILWAUKEE — Monday marked the first official day of spring and the start of a major construction project in Milwaukee.
City leaders plan to take on nearly 50 projects this year aimed at improving streets while deterring reckless driving and traffic deaths.
"I want everyone to feel safe and with that comes good road design to prioritize that," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.
Department of Public Works officials described the work that is happening on West Walnut Street as transformative and the first of its kind in Milwaukee, giving them a chance to rebuild the road.
Crews will reconstruct Walnut from 12th to 20th Street. One lane of traffic will remain open in both directions until mid-summer when westbound traffic will be detoured.
"We're removing a driving lane in each direction which should slow down traffic. We're putting in those curb extensions so people can't do the passing on the right as often or frequently and then also the raised protected bike lanes," city engineer Kevin Muhs said.
While the idea of construction work often strikes a nerve, Mayor Johnson said this round of projects will be worth it.
"People want to feel safe in their communities. They want public safety to be prevalent and this is a part of public safety. They want better amenities. They want a better quality of life and that's what projects like these will provide," Johnson said.
Akeem Rashad has owned Deli 1614 on Walnut Street for more than 20 years and said speeding in that area is terrible.
"As a business, it's going to impact me quite a bit. I don't like it but at the same time that needs to be done so I understand that," Rashad said about the construction work.
Rashad says as long as the city keeps his parking in front of his deli that will help.
He will stay open through construction but admitted he is a little skeptical about if this rebuild will cut down the dangerous driving.
"They're doing something that is part of the answer. How it's going to all play out we'll have to wait and see," Rashad said.
The majority of the work on Walnut Street is expected to be done late this year. The work to update street lighting and trees has been slated to take place in 2024.
Since crews will be reconstructing the road DPW noted it is committed to addressing any lead service lines underneath the roadway.
View the full plan below:
What are the big construction projects planned for Milwaukee in 2023?
By Jackson Danbeck
DPW outlined the projects as follows (verbatim):
WALNUT
Most significant among these is the West Walnut Street [city.milwaukee.gov] reconstruction project from N. 12th Street to N. 20th Street, anticipated to begin late March. The majority of the work including roadway and sidewalk will be completed in late 2023 with streetlighting and tree plantings completed the following year.
Project Benefits
The project includes raised crosswalks on stop-controlled side streets and curb extensions* (bump-outs) at intersections. West Walnut Street will be reconstructed from its current 4-lane divided roadway to a 2-lane divided highway through the majority of the project limits. A protected bike lane, separated from the travel lanes, will also be constructed throughout the majority of the project limits.
During construction
One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained until mid-summer when westbound traffic on Walnut Street will be detoured using West Fond du Lac Ave. and North 20th Street while work is finished on the second side of the road.
VLIET
The West Vliet Street [city.milwaukee.gov] reconstruction project from N. 27th Street to N. 12th Street is anticipated to begin construction March 13. The majority of the work including roadway and sidewalk will be completed in late 2023 with streetlighting and tree plantings completed the following year.
Project Benefits
The project includes bump-outs at intersections and elimination of parking between N. 24th Street and N. 17th Street, to prevent illegal passing on the right. Bike lanes will remain as currently marked.
During construction
Traffic will be limited to only westbound through the project limits and fully closed to eastbound traffic. The public is advised to find alternative routes for eastbound travel. This summer, traffic will be switch to allow only eastbound travel with westbound travel being prohibited. Side streets will have short-term or long-term closures to through traffic.
HAMPTON
The West Hampton Avenue [city.milwaukee.gov] resurfacing project from N. 60th Street to N. 29th Street is anticipated to begin construction May 1. The majority of the work including roadway will be completed in late 2023 with streetlighting and signal equipment and street lighting completed the following year.
Project Benefits
The project includes pinned on bump-outs including incorporating these extensions into bus stops. The roadway will be resurfaced and new pavement marking will be placed including new bike lanes from N. 31st Street to N. 35th Street and refurbished bike lanes for the remainder of the project length.
During construction
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.
HUMBOLDT
Additionally, the North Humboldt Blvd. [city.milwaukee.gov] reconstruction project from E. North Avenue to E. Keefe Avenue enters its second and final year. Construction began late the week of February 27 and is anticipated to be completed in late-May.
Project Benefits
The west side of North Humboldt Boulevard between E. Locust Street and E. Keefe Avenue along with the Locust Street intersection will be completed. In addition to the signal poles, lighting and signage –sidewalk on both sides of the roadway will be completed and bump-outs will be added at eight intersections.
During construction
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.
“This will be a very busy construction season as these four major projects are among the dozens of traffic calming projects planned citywide. These corridor projects are an example of our customized approach to traffic calming depending on the needs of each neighborhood’s residents and visitors,” Commissioner of Public Works Jerrel Kruschke said.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for projects updates at the respective project webpages.
*Benefits of curb extensions
- Increased pedestrian visibility by preventing people from parking too close to crosswalks
- Reduced crossing distances and decreased pedestrian exposure to motorists
- Slower speeds by motorists making turns at intersections and driving along the corridor
- Prevents illegal passing on the right in the bike or parking lane.
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