What if Milwaukee’s downtown transportation system reflected the city we are today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs & benefits?
An at-grade boulevard offers a more cost-effective alternative to rebuilding the elevated I-794, as constructing two levels of roadway is significantly more expensive than one at-grade. Historical examples, such as the Park East Freeway removal, demonstrate the lower costs associated with at-grade infrastructure.
Larry Witzling, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, estimated that replacing I-794 with a boulevard could free up 10 city blocks of land, unlocking $1.1 billion+ of development. After 30 years, this would contribute $475M in property taxes and $60M in sales tax for services across The City of Milwaukee.
How will this impact traffic?
According to WisDOT, more than two-thirds of the current traffic uses I-794 to enter and leave downtown and is therefore already being handled by the grid. Downtown Milwaukee has a strong street grid that can handle additional traffic capacity. Traffic would disperse throughout on/off ramps and on local street network at grade.
Will this impact the Hoan Bridge?
None of the proposals under consideration would remove the Hoan Bridge – the bridge will not be demolished. Under every plan, the Hoan will continue to serve as a critical north-south connector and an iconic feature of Milwaukee's skyline -- even if we Rethink 794
How will cars get over the river?
To address potential congestion from bridge openings, Rethink 794 suggests that the city work with the tour boat companies to limit bridge lifts during peak traffic hours. WisDOT is exploring structural solutions, including a bridge with higher resting clearance to reduce the frequency of openings
What about the freeway improvement option?
We are opposed to rebuilding any new elevated freeway through downtown, including the option of a minor design change with fewer ramps. This dressed up concession would not capture any of the transformational benefits to the community and region that removal would. Rebuilding the elevated freeway through downtown results in higher construction costs, a continued barrier between neighborhoods, and no major economic benefits. Any type of elevated rebuild is a missed opportunity for Milwaukee’s future.