The Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) today voted to advance two major highway studies that will investigate safety improvements and operational solutions along high-volume routes in northwest and southeast Wisconsin.
The studies of the US 53 corridor in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties and I-94 in Waukesha County (Willow Glen Road – Zoo Interchange) received unanimous votes from the bipartisan, 15-member commission, which reviews major highway project candidates and makes recommendations to the governor and legislature. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will initiate these studies, and results will be presented to the TPC at a future meeting.
US 53 – Eau Claire/Chippewa counties:
The US 53 corridor has safety and operational needs due to traffic volumes significantly exceeding the original freeway design. Crash rates are higher than the statewide average for all crashes, and rates are especially high for crashes involving injury or fatality. Originally constructed in 2006, the four-lane freeway bypass has been economically productive, attracting developments near its interchanges and reducing travel times.
I-94 – Waukesha County:
The I-94 corridor from Willow Glen Road to the I-41/I-894 Zoo Interchange has safety and traffic operational needs due to heavy commuter traffic and limited freeway capacity. In addition to crash hotspots and congestion, this corridor has aging infrastructure. Of the 52 total bridges, 32 are currently over 60 years old and approaching the end of their design life. Pavement in portions of this corridor dates as far back as the 1950s.
Today’s TPC vote is the first step in determining whether the two projects will move forward as Major Highway Projects, as defined in state statute.
“The Transportation Projects Commission is a vital component to moving major construction studies and projects forward for the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “I reconvened the TPC in 2019 after several years of hiatus prior to my administration to ensure a bipartisan, data-driven approach to selecting meaningful projects that maximize resources and make the most impact to Wisconsinites. This sort of collaboration can help us improve safety, lower commute times and reduce crashes along these busy corridors – and most importantly – improve the quality of life for the tens of thousands of people who travel these routes.”
“Improving Wisconsin’s transportation system depends on selecting the right projects for the right reasons and today’s vote demonstrates the TPC is functioning as it should – a bipartisan group deliberating and discerning what’s best for the state,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “The TPC has met every year since 2019 which has led to major construction projects advancing along with new studies initiated. Today’s vote shows a shared interest in improving our roads throughout the state and doing what’s right for Wisconsin.”
Major Highway Project candidates undergo an extensive evaluation that considers a project’s potential to enhance economic development, relieve traffic congestion, improve safety and achieve community objectives while minimizing environmental impacts. To move forward to construction, candidate projects must first undergo an environmental study process.
At the TPC’s last meeting in 2024, the group recommended enumeration of the I-39/90/94 project from Madison to Wisconsin Dells and the US 51/Stoughton Road North, WIS 30 to I-39/90/94 project in Dane County. Both projects are now headed toward construction.
The TPC is a commission chaired by the governor and includes the transportation secretary as a non-voting member, as well as five state senators, five assembly representatives and three citizen members who review, approve and make recommendations regarding Major Highway Projects in Wisconsin. Governor Evers revitalized the TPC in 2019 after it had been dormant since 2014.
