A Better Boulevard
The state DOT says a boulevard works, in place of I-794 through downtown
The state has shown that replacing I-794 with a boulevard is possible. However, WisDOT's design is over engineered, treating the corridor as if it would still be a freeway, based on a traffic model that assumes vehicle traffic will remain the same, even though vehicle traffic often decreases as travel behavior changes. Their boulevard design includes extra lanes, redundant flyover ramps and complex intersections around 2nd st.
Rethink 794 Proposes, a Better Boulevard Plan
It disperses traffic more simply, costs less, and creates more opportunity for community building.
The Better Boulevard plan shifts one ramp to the center of the boulevard, and uses the existing ramp to Michigan Ave for cars entering the city from the South. By not rebuilding a redundant ramp 8 more acres can be opened up West of the river - to make a whole neighborhood at a new "Transit Gateway District".
-
Housing where it makes sense
-
Better, simplified access for all - people, cars, and transit options
-
Fund regional transit plans, and build a neighborhood here = supports regional resilience and sustainable growth
-
Community Wealth Building - Make it benefit everyone region-wide
Exploring Community Wealth Building
Historically, highways have divided neighborhoods city-wide, it’s time one gave back to every corner of the city. More than just tax base generation, we’re exploring different mechanism to fundamentally build lasting Milwaukee community-wealth.
Park-East highway removal was a success and gave us the Deer District. The I-794 is a BIGGER opportunity. This is public land. Let’s not give it away for $1. Instead, let’s build lasting community wealth that benefits every resident. We could fully fund schools, libraries, parks, roads, without increasing taxes, without referendums. We can do this by just using our assets, the most valuable land in Wisconsin, to benefit all residents.
Help us create the guiding principles to make sure that any wealth generated is returned to the communities across our city.