Nate Loy

Milwaukee’s I-794 corridor is already one of the most transit-accessible places in Wisconsin, but today, much of that valuable land is occupied by a freeway. With 15 MCTS routes within a short walk, plus regional rail, bus service, and The Hop nearby, could replacing I-794 with a boulevard unlock new housing, destinations, and even better transit? Part 1 explores how we can turn Milwaukee’s existing transit advantage into a catalyst for reconnecting neighborhoods.

Milwaukee’s climate goals demand more than incremental change. Replacing I-794’s elevated freeway with an at-grade boulevard could reduce car dependence, expand transit and active transportation, create thousands of homes near jobs and destinations, and open the door to greener, more resilient infrastructure. If we’re serious about climate action, freeway removal is the path forward.