America’s Transportation Awards named the I-94 North-South Freeway Project in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties one of the nation’s outstanding infrastructure projects for 2021.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) completed the I-94 North-South Project on schedule and under budget in 2020. A key link for interstate travel, the project reconstructed and expanded 19 miles of concrete pavement to provide eight lanes of travel with full concrete shoulders. Four interchanges and 18 bridges were replaced during the compressed time frame.
“A global pandemic, a very aggressive schedule and all the complexities of a major interstate project through highly developed counties required innovation, hard work and total commitment,” WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “America’s Transportation Awards made an excellent selection, and we thank all those whose dedication brought the I-94 North-South project to completion, on time and under budget. Getting this done right means improved safety and easier travel. The improvements also support the growing number of businesses located along the corridor.”
An average annual daily traffic volume of over 98,000, with 17% trucks, makes the I-94 North-South one of the most heavily trafficked freight corridors in the nation.
Under a condensed construction schedule, the project began in June 2018 and finished approximately two years later. The many techniques to gain efficiencies and stay on schedule included stringless paving, ground frost control, precast sign columns and specialty shoring for storm sewers.
“This project delivers safety,” Southeast Region Deputy Director Roberto Gutierrez said. “Maintaining traffic along the corridor throughout the project was a challenge. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our staff, construction partners and consultants for delivering this important infrastructure improvement that benefits all of Wisconsin.”
The I-94 North-South project will compete with other regional nominees for national awards. The top two prizes carry a $10,000 cash prize to support a transportation-related scholarship. America’s Transportation Awards is sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
