The situation?
National Avenue in Milwaukee – a significant thoroughfare recognized as one of the busiest streets in the city – is a high-crash corridor and part of Milwaukee’s High Injury Network (HIN). HIN corridors are those across the city where most serious and fatal injury crashes occur and will continue to occur without changes to the street design.
The urban four-lane undivided roadway is considered unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, with excessive vehicle speeds and reckless driving exacerbating the problem. The advanced deterioration of the present infrastructure makes it the perfect time to reimagine National Avenue as a modern, community-oriented commercial corridor.
What is the “fix,” and how does it benefit the community?
A project to reconstruct a 2.6-mile stretch of National Avenue between 1st Street and 39th Street aims to upgrade aging infrastructure, enhance safety for all users, reduce vehicle speeds, and support local businesses in this active and vibrant section of Milwaukee. The improvements will address high crash rates and encourage biking, walking, and public transit use.
The condition of the roadway and related infrastructure requires timely action. The project plans include replacing pavement, curbs, sidewalks, and storm sewers. In addition, the project will reduce vehicle lanes from four to two, add separated raised bike lanes, crosswalks, and intersections, improve sidewalks, make curb ramps ADA-compliant, and upgrade lighting and traffic signals.
What makes the investment possible?
The estimated project cost is $39.6 million, with $25 million from the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program, part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The remaining funds will come from state and local contributions.
WisDOT and the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works are project partners. National Avenue improvement planning began in 2020.
What’s next?
The project is currently in the preliminary design phase, with construction expected to start in 2026.
