94 North-South Freeway Project

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of this project?

The I-94 North-South freeway project is necessary because after 40 years, one of the state's most frequently used freeways is in critical need of rebuilding. A review of the facts and engineering studies indicate continuous motorist and truck traffic has led to the freeway's deterioration. Public safety will be jeopardized if rebuilding does not occur soon, and without that, the smooth flow of traffic through the region will be impeded.

Widening the freeway to eight lanes from the Wisconsin/Illinois border to Milwaukee is necessary to safely and efficiently accommodate the anticipated future increases in traffic congestion. Rebuilding the freeway will also allow the incorporation of safer frontage roads, better overall road design, and improved interchanges and on and off ramps. The freeway will be pulled up and replaced from the ground up to ensure the future safety of motorists and to accommodate anticipated growth in the region.

What tools are available to help my business survive this construction?

Through communication and cooperation, businesses can not only survive, but thrive, when road construction comes to town.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recognizes that businesses located in work zones have special needs. It's critical that customers have access to businesses and that they continue to visit them, regardless of any road work inconvenience.

"In This Together" is a WisDOT program aimed at businesses affected by road construction.  Visit the In This Together program's website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/business/engrserv/itt/index.htm for ideas and examples of how businesses can not only survive, but thrive, during a construction project.  The program includes a workbook and case studies that demonstrate techniques that have been successfully used in communities throughout Wisconsin. This program is offered to business and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area.

The I-94 N-S Freeway Project has project specific tools available that we can customize for your business.  These include directions sheets, brochures, and coordinating signage.  Examples are available in the Busines Toolkit page under the resources tab of this website.

Contact the project team either through the website contact form or by calling the project hotline at (262) 548-8721 for additional information.

For people who commute back and forth to work, isn't this going to be a nightmare?

There may be some delays and backups, as with any freeway construction project. Traveling along the I-94 North-South freeway during construction will require drivers to plan ahead and drive safely and that will help them move forward. Many motorists will continue using the freeway during the rebuilding and others will use safe alternate routes.

It is important that drivers plan ahead to ease their travel during construction. In the end, the rebuilding will be worth it. An eight-lane freeway will help commuters get to their destinations safely and navigate more easily through less congestion. Whether someone is driving to a large or small company in downtown Milwaukee, Racine or Kenosha, an easily accessible North-South freeway is very important. And preparing for the future of our region is important to our area's workforce.

How can you guarantee I won't get stuck in traffic during this project?

We can't.  As with any road construction, there will be times when traffic is impacted and the freeway may be crowded.  Motorists will need to be patient and to watch and listen for information on local radio and TV, road signs, the Internet, and more to help them navigate and move safely through the construction.  WisDOT encourages travelers to also call 511 for the latest regional traffic information. If you plan ahead and drive safely, you'll be able to get to your destination.  Those who drive our roads know we have some of the best in the nation and that's what the North-South freeway will be when it is completed.

How long will I have to wait in freeway delays once the rebuilding gets going?

We don't know.  There will be times when traffic is impacted - that is expected with any road construction project.  The freeway may become crowded and delays may happen, but alternate routes will be provided to help motorists.  We ask that drivers be patient and watch and listen for information from the WisDOT via local radio and TV, road signs, the Internet, and more.

We encourage motorists to visit www.plan94.org for more specific and current construction updates and urge them to listen to radio and watch TV stations for additional traffic information and project updates.  There will also be helpful roadside signs for important information.

Our top priority during what will probably be an eight-year project is the safety of construction workers and the safety of motorists.  Planning ahead and driving safely will be important to everyone in reaching their destination.  Speed limits and construction areas will be well-marked and law enforcement will be patrolling throughout the project to ensure all traffic laws are obeyed.

How long will it take and are you going to be doing anything to help motorists like me?

The North-South freeway is being entirely rebuilt over the next eight years.  It is a large undertaking that when completed will provide smooth and safe access to our region for decades to come.  Motorists will be made aware of work and progress of the construction project throughout the corridor.

As with any major reconstruction effort, rebuilding the North-South freeway from the ground up will take time, and we believe those who drive the freeway realize the importance of keeping this major highway as safe as possible.

Motorists will need to be patient and watch and listen to local radio and TV, road signs, the Internet, and more for traffic updates and the best alternative routes.  If drivers plan ahead and drive safely, they will be able to get to their destination.

We encourage motorists to visit the project Web site, listen to radio and watch TV stations for additional traffic information and project updates.  There will also be helpful roadside signs for important information.

Is this going to be as bad as the Marquette Interchange project was?

Most people thought the Marquette Interchange project was going to be a nightmare, but it actually finished on time and under budget, and many feel it wasn't that hard to navigate during the construction.  And, like the Marquette Interchange project, the I-94 North-South freeway reconstruction project will be well planned and clearly communicated to motorists.  Most drivers know through experience that if they plan ahead and drive safely, they will get to their destinations.  Like all construction projects, the I-94 North South freeway rebuilding will take time, but you'll be able to make it through.  The roads will be well-marked with signs and communication will be frequently updated. 

We encourage motorists to visit www.plan94.org for more information and urge them to listen to radio and watch TV stations for additional traffic information and project updates.  There will also be helpful roadside signs containing important information.

This project, like the Marquette Interchange, will help provide a fresh face for our region and a first-class impression of our state.  A lot of people say that the new Marquette Interchange is not only smooth and efficient, but that it looks great, too.  Those using Wisconsin's freeways know they are welcoming and that Wisconsin does an excellent job in keeping its roads safe and updated.  The I-94 North-South freeway project will make one of our state's most important freeways better for everyone from Kenosha and Racine counties to Milwaukee upon its completion.

Isn't this just another way for the state to spend taxpayers' money?

The I-94 North-South freeway project is necessary, because after 40 years, one of the most frequently used freeways in the state is in critical need of complete rebuilding from the ground up.  Detailed studies of the roadway indicate that continuous motorist and truck traffic over the years have led to the freeway's deterioration, and public safety will be jeopardized if rebuilding does not occur soon.  Traffic studies also indicate widening the freeway to eight lanes from the state line to Milwaukee will help to decrease current and anticipated congestion.  The project will address the entire 35-mile span of freeway and also include safety improvements to frontage roads, on and off ramps and major interchanges, especially in dangerous areas like the Plainfield Curve and frontage roads in Kenosha and Racine counties.
 
Also, as the nation struggles through a difficult economy, the North-South freeway project will help bring job opportunities to Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties.  Labor and minority organizations throughout the region have already started laying the groundwork for these job opportunities.  Many good paying, family-supporting jobs will be created by the North-South freeway in the region over the next eight years.

Like the Marquette Interchange project, workers will receive training so their skills can help build capacity and provide future career opportunities.

How can I get a job working on the project?

The I-94 North-South freeway project will help bring job opportunities to Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Labor and minority organizations throughout the region have already started laying the groundwork for these job opportunities. Many good paying, family-supporting jobs will be created by the North-South freeway in the region over the next eight years.

The current prime contractors on the I-94 N-S Freeway project are listed below (note:  this does not include sub-contractors) (updated 08/03/2010):

• Walsh Construction
• Michels Corporation
• Super Excavators, Inc.
• Zignego Inc.

R/K TrANS (Racine/Kenosha Transportation Alliance for New Solutions) is an industry-driven training model sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation I-94 N-S Freeway project to address the shortage of workers in highway construction. The goal of R/K TrANS is to serve the needs of highway construction contractors who primarily work on WisDOT projects by ensuring a seamless supply of entry-level laborers and qualified apprentices. The training provider for R/K TrANS is First Choice Pre-Apprenticeship Training (a program of Human Capital Development Corp. Inc). The program does not guarantee a job, but a graduate of the program will be added to WisDOT's Civil Rights Compliance System (CRCS) database for contractors to use when looking to hire employess.  To enroll or receive more information contact the First Choice Pre-Apprenticeship Training at:

1437 Marquette Street
Racine, WI 53404
(262) 633-3285

Please visit the sites below for more job-opportunity information

www.recovery.wisconsin.gov

www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com

www.dwd.state.wi.us/recovery

How is this going to be better for me?

A rebuilt North-South freeway will help reduce congestion, improve safety and increase accessibility for drivers, commuters and commercial traffic.  The North-South freeway is a critical point of access throughout the region for a number of different reasons.  Whether it is used for recreation, commerce, commuting or other reasons, rebuilding the North-South freeway will help millions throughout the region and others who depend on it statewide.

The I-94 North-South freeway is really a lifeblood for the entire state, providing a 35-mile accessible roadway for travel and commerce.  The freeway also provides a convenient route for north-south commuters and offers easy on and off access to local businesses, entertainment and recreational opportunities in the region.

The North-South freeway is a welcoming way for motorists to get home and to their destinations, and rebuilding the freeway will help motorists for years to come.  The reconstruction will increase safety on frontage roads and on exit and entrance ramps.  The freeway will also become wider, smoother and easier to travel once the project is completed.

If I'm going south, should I just forget going to Kenosha or Chicago?

Of course not. There may be delays, but safe and reasonable alternative routes will be available.  If drivers plan ahead and drive safely, they will be able to get there, whether it's to Kenosha, Racine or Chicago.  Another option would be to check out the transportation options other than driving that are available along the corridor to get where you are going - these include Amtrak, Wisconsin Coach Lines, and the Lake Express Ferry, to name a few. 
 
As with any road construction, there will be times when traffic is impacted.  Motorists will need to be patient and to watch and listen for traffic and project information on local radio and TV, road signs, the Internet, and more.  Those who drive our roads know we have some of the best in the nation, and that's what the North-South freeway will be when it is completed.
 
Additionally, at times, construction will occur on frontage roads, exit and entrance ramps and other areas, and will require motorists to plan ahead and drive safely on alternative routes.  Information from WisDOT will be readily available on signs along the freeway, on local media, and via this website.
 
Drivers in Southeast Wisconsin have grown accustomed to road construction in Illinois and toward Chicago.  However, drivers know when Wisconsin tackles rebuilding, our state does it quite well, as was evident by the completion of the Marquette Interchange project ahead of time and under budget.

How much trouble will it be to travel into Milwaukee for a Brewers or Bucks game, or Summerfest?

If you plan ahead and drive safely, you'll get there.  It just may take a little longer.  As with any road construction, there may be time when the freeway is crowded or traffic is delayed, and it is important for motorists to have the most up-to-date information on travel times, lane and ramp closures, and more.  Road signs will communicate much of this information and there will be public service ads on radio and television with factual and specific information.  There also is this Web site dedicated specifically to the reconstruction. You'll find useful and timely information to help everyone travel safely through the reconstruction, and the I-94 North-South freeway will remain an accessible roadway for recreational travel and commerce in southeast Wisconsin and beyond.

I drive from Racine/Kenosha, what does this mean to me as a commuter?

It means Racine/Kenosha will be open and accessible to all, and it really means that if you plan ahead and drive safely, you'll be able to get there.  Of course, as with any road construction, there will be times when traffic is impacted.  We ask that you be patient and watch and listen for traffic information and project updates on local radio and TV, road signs, the Internet, and more.  Those who drive our roads know we have some of the best in the nation, and that's what the North-South freeway will be when it is completed.

Also, work will take place on frontage roads, exit and entrance ramps and in other areas, which will require motorists to plan ahead and drive safely.  Information will be readily available by looking for signs along the freeway, watching or listening to local media, and by going to the project Web site.

The freeway provides easy access to Racine/Kenosha County businesses, recreational areas and homes.  A safer and less congested freeway will encourage travel into and out of the area and help accommodate future economic growth.