TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS AROUND THE VALLEY

Menomonee Valley Partners (MVP) collaborates with the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin, and others to accomplish shared goals for a revitalized, sustainable Menomonee River Valley for the benefit of the greater Milwaukee area.

MVP is currently working to ensure that transportation projects being implemented by the City and State do well to foster and strengthen links between adjacent communities and the Valley’s employment opportunities, recreation destinations, restored natural resources, and environmental education.

Learn more about transportation projects around the Valley and how you can provide input.

CLOSED: 16th Street Viaduct

December 5, 2025 - April 2026

The 16th Street viaduct between Clybourn and Pierce Streets is closed and is expected to remain closed until April 2026.

This unexpected closure is due to an urgent public safety issue caused by a deteriorated structural beam. The issue was discovered during an in-depth inspection conducted as part of a reconstruction project for the portion of the 16th Street Bridge over the Menomonee River.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) recognizes 16th Street as a critical link to and over the Menomonee Valley and has been anticipating doing work to rehabilitate or reconstruct portions of the bridge over time. However, due to its level of wear, the deteriorated structural beam requires immediate replacement.

DPW is working diligently to address recently discovered structural issues and reopen the structure. Due to the time needed to fabricate and install a replacement beam, the entire bridge may be closed until April 2026. The City will provide updates if this timeline changes; visit the project website to subscribe to project emails.

CLOSURES - I-94 East-West Project

Ramps at General Mitchell Boulevard

The I-94 westbound entrance ramp and eastbound exit ramp at General Mitchell Boulevard closed in mid-December and will remain closed through March 2026.

DETOUR ROUTES

Westbound traffic is advised to use Blue Mound to access I-94 via 84th Street. Eastbound traffic is advised to exit at 175.

See WisDOT’s December 2025 Project Update and visit the I-94 East-West Construction webpage for additional information.

I-94 EAST-WEST PROJECT

Visit the project website to sign up for regular email updates about construction in the I-94 East-West project corridor (from 16th to 70th Street).

See project visualizations, a corridor flyover, real-time traveler information, and more.

 

I-94 Lid at 26th & St. Paul

The I-94 East-West project includes a proposed lid (a very wide bridge) over the interstate at 26th Street and St. Paul Avenue - a critical connection point between residential and commercial zones in the Near West Side and significant economic and recreational destinations in the Valley.

MVP and Near West Side Partners (NWSP) are working in partnership with the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and with professional support from HGA to develop design concepts for the lid, which will be the first structure of its kind in the state.

Design concepts will incorporate the community’s needs, interests, and priorities. Anticipated improvements include better accessibility, safety, and aesthetics; comfortable pedestrian and bicycle features; and green infrastructure and plantings.

Ultimately, it is envisioned that the final design for the lid strengthens ties between the residents and visitors, businesses and workers, and organizations and destinations on each side of the interstate.

Revisit this site, sign up for MVP’s e-newsletter, or contact Rochelle@TheValleyMKE.org to be kept informed about design concepts and next steps.

CITY OF MILWAUKEE PROJECTS

Photo credit: Bublr Bikes

Visit the City of Milwaukee community engagement hub - Engage MKE - for information on planning, design, and construction projects, including numerous projects underway around the Menomonee Valley.

I-43 AT NATIONAL AVENUE STUDY

WisDOT is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study that will explore redesigning the I-43/I-94 National Avenue Interchange (I-43 at National Avenue) in Milwaukee.

MVP staff are serving on the study’s Community Advisory Committee and welcome your input to support our engagement. Visit the project website for additional information and contact Rochelle@TheValleyMKE.org to share your thoughts.