Overview
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), along with study partners Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee, completed a feasibility study for WIS 175 between Wisconsin Avenue and Lisbon Avenue.
Click here to view a map of the study area.
WIS 175 Corridor
The study was an opportunity to re-think WIS 175, also known as the Stadium Freeway or the Stadium Spur. This 6-lane urban freeway was constructed in 1962 and impacted Washington Park and other properties. This section of WIS 175 was part of a larger freeway network that was never built. Now, the resulting depressed freeway with grade separated interchanges creates a disconnect between neighborhoods with a lack of pedestrian, bike, and bus access.
Goals
The Reimagining WIS 175 Study took a comprehensive, holistic approach to identify and evaluate potential, viable alternatives for the future WIS 175 corridor in a way that accommodates vehicles, transit, bicycle and pedestrian connections; connects neighborhoods, and promotes socio-economic vitality.
Scope of Study
- Partner with community stakeholders to identify the status of the existing roadway infrastructure and identify opportunities for potential future improvements.
- Analyze a variety of alternatives ranging from replacing the freeway to an at-grade street considering green spaces, parks, land use and future development.
- Involve the community with robust public engagement.
- Identify viable alternatives that meet the traffic and community needs with a focus on reconnecting communities.
Public Involvement
The Reimagining WIS 175 Study used
Social Pinpoint to engage with the community. Social Pinpoint offers diverse participation opportunities to engage with the study, such as an interactive map, surveys, FAQs, and other activities. There, you can also find information that has been presented at public involvement meetings previously held. Public involvement is an important part of the Reimagining WIS 175 Study, and Social Pinpoint is where you can find the latest information on ways to engage with the study.
Study Report and Next Steps
The Reimagining WIS 175 Study began in 2022 and was finalized in 2025 with a report that documented the study efforts:
Future efforts along the corridor may include additional analysis to further refine potential improvement concepts while continuing to consider community priorities and environmental factors. These efforts could support future project development and help prepare for a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review.
The NEPA process includes a detailed evaluation of potential environmental impacts and is required before a preferred alternative can move forward toward implementation.
Contact
Doug Cain, WisDOT Project Manager
(262) 548-5603
douglas.cain@dot.wi.gov
Dan Sellers, WisDOT Communications Manager
(262) 548-6702
daniel.sellers@dot.wi.gov