The Interstate 894 reconstruction project has been ongoing since the fall of 2023, and with it have come traffic delays.
But relief is in sight, transportation officials say.
The project involves resurfacing the interstate from 89th Street to 35th Street and reconstructing the Loomis Road bridge over I-894, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Here’s where the project currently stands:
When are peak times for traffic delays on the I-894 project and when will they improve?
According to WisDOT, the most delays in the construction zone have occurred during peak travel hours, which are usually during the morning and afternoon commutes.
But those delays should be lessened later this year, WisDOT Southeast Region Communications Manager Chris Verhyen said.
“When traffic is shifted to the inside shoulders, tentatively scheduled for this fall, three lanes will be open in both directions of I-894,” Verhyen said.
How much will the I-894 project cost?
The I-894 project costs approximately $60 million. This includes about $12 million for the Loomis Road bridge portion and about $48 million for work on I-894.
What is the status of the reconstruction of the Loomis Road bridge?
The reconstruction of the Loomis Road bridge, which is part of the project, has been ongoing since February 2024.
The Loomis Road westbound exit and entrance ramps have been closed since July 22.
All other entrance and exit ramps at Loomis Road are scheduled to remain open.
This portion of the construction is due to be completed in fall 2024.
Will this construction impact The Turf project that is ongoing near Loomis Road?
The project will not interfere with The Turf, Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke said. In fact, he said this phase of the project will add the turn lane which will lead into The Turf’s parking lot.
According to Neitzke, The Turf will share its parking lot with the Park and Ride lot at 4000 W. Loomis Road.
This portion of the construction is due to be completed this fall, along with the completion of the Loomis Road bridge.
Has wet weather affected the project?
In a word, yes.
According to WisDOT, the wet summer has caused some delays in construction, but the project team has continued to work to limit the impacts of any weather-related delays.
When will the I-894 project be fully completed?
According to WisDOT, the entire project is scheduled for completion in spring or early summer 2025.
The full overview of the project can be found on the official WisDOT website.
Contact Adrienne Davis at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: I-894 construction project: Lane openings should reduce delay times
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