Release date: January 21, 2026
To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Governor Evers has approved $61 million for the next segment of the I-94 East-West project in Milwaukee County. Referred to as the ‘Early East Leg’ segment, work will take place between 25th Street and 30th Street, as well as in the 27th Street and St. Paul Avenue corridors. Zenith Tech, Inc. is the prime contractor for the Early East Leg, with work scheduled to begin February 2.
Overview of Early East Leg:
- Reconstructing the 27th Street Bridge over I-94
- Reconstructing St. Paul Avenue, from 29th Street to 27th Street
- Reconstructing 28th Street as a cul-de-sac at St. Paul Avenue
- Temporarily widening I-94 eastbound under 27th Street
What to Expect:
To safely construct the project while maximizing available traffic flow, the following traffic impacts will take place on February 2:
- Long-term closure of 27th Street
- Long-term closure of the I-94 eastbound exit to 26th Street / St. Paul Avenue
- Detour: Drivers can utilize nearby 35th Street or 13th Street exits
- Intermittent traffic impacts along nearby local roads
Utility Work:
Utility work continues in the area. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts along local roads. Before Early East Leg construction begins, utility work needs to take place on the 28th Street entrance ramp to I-94 westbound. This will require a two-month closure of the entrance ramp beginning in late January.
Schedule:
Construction on the Early East Leg is scheduled to be complete in 2028. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.
I-94 East-West Project:
The I-94 East-West project covers approximately 3.5 miles of I-94, between 70th Street and 16th Street, in Milwaukee County. This project will modernize the corridor by improving safety, replacing aging infrastructure and reducing congestion. I-94 plays a key role in moving local traffic, commuters, tourists, freight, and other movements to major sites around and beyond the southeast region of the state.
For more information, contact:
Dan Sellers
WisDOT Southeast Region Communications Manager