Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the process of completing a study on the I-794 Lake Interchange corridor in Milwaukee. The study is comprised of several project design concepts, ranging from replacement-in-kind to full removal of the elevated freeway between the Marquette Interchange and the Hoan Bridge. The DOT is encouraging individuals to provide feedback by completing the public meeting comment form. Senator Duey Stroebel (R – Cedarburg) issued the following statement on the study:
“The DOT would be wise to take a deliberate approach with the Lake Interchange study and give due consideration to the input being provided by all stakeholders. It would be a shame if DOT allowed the groups who are aggressively banging the drum for full removal of the existing interchange to hold undue influence over the department’s decision making.”
“Over 25,000 vehicles travel through the Lake Interchange corridor and more than 40,000 vehicles cross the Hoan Bridge on a daily basis. The Lake Interchange provides easy access to downtown while serving as a pivotal connection point to I-43 and I-94. The adverse impacts associated with demolishing the interchange and replacing it with a ground-level thoroughfare would be profound, as has been noted by the concerned citizens, employer groups and neighboring communities who have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to the concept thus far. If the I-794 corridor is removed or significantly reconfigured, Milwaukee will be plagued with increased traffic congestion and drive times.”
“While a pronounced spike in congestion on the city’s streets would be the most acute impact, the potential second and third-order effects should not be ignored. With thousands of drivers being redirected from the I-794 freeway to city streets, more individuals will be deterred from working in, living in and visiting the downtown. In doing the bidding for the activist groups calling for removal, the City of Milwaukee is overlooking the integral role the Lake Interchange has played in the decisions of major employers to expand and relocate in the downtown area. Attracting and retaining talent will only become more difficult in the absence of the convenient access provided by the interchange. As the DOT’s study continues to move forward, it bears mentioning the project would not be able to proceed unless it is enumerated by the State Legislature. The removal of the Lake Interchange appears to be a solution in search of a problem.”
Senator Stroebel represents the 20th Senate District which includes parts of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, Calumet and Sheboygan Counties.
