Construction Overview

Updated: January 28, 2026
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has begun construction on the I-94 East-West Freeway Project.
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The West Leg of the project, between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive, began initial impacts in early November 2025, with lane and ramp closures along I-94, between 70th Street and the Stadium Interchange. The Early East Leg, at 27th Street, began in late 2025, with the closure of 27th Street, over I-94, and the closure of the I-94 eastbound exit to 26th Street/St. Paul Avenue beginning in February 2026.

WisDOT understands that construction of this scale may bring some challenges, including increased traffic and temporary detours. This project is a vital investment in addressing deteriorated roadway conditions, obsolete road/bridge design, traffic demands, and high crash rates.

Local and regional alternate routes are encouraged. Travelers should plan ahead by adding extra time, finding alternate routes, and knowing what resources are available.
Key Components of the West Leg
  • Expanding I-94 to four lanes in each direction between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive
  • Reconstructing the Hawley Road interchange as a half-interchange; ramps to and from the east will be eliminated while access to and from the west will remain after reconstruction
  • Reconstructing the 68th Street / 70th Street Interchange
Key Components of the Early East leg
  • Reconstruction of 27th Street bridge, over I-94
  • Reconstruction of St. Paul Avenue from 29th Street to 27th Street 
  • Construction of 28th Street as a cul-de-sac at 28th Street and St. Paul Avenue
  • Temporary widening of I-94 eastbound for future traffic stages
  • Wall construction west of 27th Street

Upcoming
Traffic Impacts:

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Traffic Impacts:

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UPCOMING spring 2026

  • Long-term lane closure on I-94 eastbound, approaching 27th Street
  • Long-term closure of the 35th Street entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound

Long-term closures beginning Monday, February 2

  • By 6 a.m.: 27th Street between St. Paul Avenue and Evergreen Lane through late 2026
    DETOUR: Utilize Wisconsin Avenue, 35th Street, and Greenfield Avenue
  • By 9 p.m.: I-94 eastbound exit to 26th Street/St. Paul Avenue through summer 2026
    DETOUR: Utilize the I-94 eastbound exit to 35 Street and Wisconsin Avenue

EARLY JANUARY

  • Full closure of Hawley Road, at I-94, through late 2028

OVERNIGHT, MONDAY DECEMBER 15

  • I-94 eastbound exit ramp to General Mitchell Boulevard closed through March 2026
    DETOUR: I-94 eastbound to WIS 175 southbound to Frederick Miller Way to General Mitchell Boulevard
  • General Mitchell Boulevard entrance ramp to I-94 westbound closed through March 2026
    DETOUR: Blue Mound Road to 84th Street to I-94 westbound

OPEN TO TRAFFIC DECEMBER 3

  • COMPLETED: 30-day closure of the southbound WIS 175 exit ramp to Frederick Miller Way

BEGINNING WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10

  • Long-term lane closure on I-94 westbound between the Stadium Interchange and 70th Street, reducing traffic to two lanes
  • Long-term closure of the WIS 175 southbound system ramp to I-94 westbound

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 6 AT 9:00 P.M.

  • Permanent closure of the I-94 westbound exit ramp to Hawley Road
  • Long-term closure of the Hawley Road entrance ramp to I-94 westbound

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 5 AT 4:30 A.M.

  • Long-term lane closure on I-94 eastbound between 70th Street and General Mitchell Boulevard, reducing traffic to two lanes

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 4 AT 9:00 P.M.

  • Long-term closure of the 68th Street entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound
  • Long-term closure of the I-94 eastbound exit ramp to Hawley Road
  • Permanent closure of the Hawley Road entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound
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Construction Staging Map

The map below is the current plan for constructing and sequencing the reconstruction of the full I-94 East-West Freeway Project. Many variables impact this plan including accommodating existing traffic, utility relocation, and available funding. The plan will continue to be refined and is subject to change.
Click map to enlarge
94 East-West construction staging map

Construction Resources

27th street to close over i-94

As part of the I-94 East-West Freeway Project, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is scheduled to begin closures on February 2 to facilitate the reconstruction of the 27 Street bridge, over I-94.
Englishespañol

early east leg segment to begin

The I‑94 East‑West Project’s Early East Leg will begin local road work in late 2025, with major construction running from 2026 to 2028. Key 2026 work includes reconstructing the 27th Street bridge, nearby streets, and portions of eastbound I‑94. Long‑term closures and traffic impacts are expected, and travelers are encouraged to plan ahead.
Learn More

upcoming west leg closures

The I-94 East-West Freeway Project, spanning from 70th Street to Zablocki Drive, will have additional closures in December 2025 to facilitate the reconstruction of the Hawley Road interchange and prepare the I-94 westbound roadway for bi-directional traffic in 2026.
Learn More

FIRST LEG OF I-94 EAST-WEST IMPACTS TO BEGIN

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is beginning construction on the West Leg of the I-94 East-West Freeway Project, between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive. Construction on the West Leg is anticipated to take place through 2028. In order to facilitate construction, a number of impacts are scheduled to take place in early November.
Learn More

zipper merge how-to guide

Learn how a zipper merge works to improve traffic flow and safety. This guide explains how you can help reduce backups by up to 40%.
learn more

Detailed Project Design

Check out a map showing the detailed design for the full project corridor. Stay tuned here for updates as final design proceeds.
Map of Detailed Design

Adjacent Projects

There are several projects located in the I-94 East-West Project area. Work related to these projects may overlap with I-94 East-West project construction.
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Real-Time Traveler Information

For current traffic impacts in the I-94 East-West project area, visit 511wi.gov or refer to the map below.

For Construction Questions

Heather Weber

Public Involvement Contact
Call
(414) 704-6422
heatherweber@gmoxie.com
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Have a question?

reach out to the project team via the project email!

I94EW@dot.wi.gov

Project Contacts

chris zacharias, P.E.

WisDOT Design Project Manager
Call

Eric Hanson, P.E.

WisDOT Construction Project Manager
Call

DAN SELLERS

WisDOT Communications Manager
Call

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southeast Region

141 NW Barstow St.
P.O. Box 798
Waukesha, WI 53187-0798
Call
TDD:711

Project Email

I94EW@dot.wi.gov

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Visit the Southeast Region page for more info
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