I-94 PIM Recap

Interstate 94 will go to eight lanes. So what are these bicycles doing here?

The second of two Public Information Meetings took place tonight at Wisconsin State Fair Park. There were no startling revelations as the project has been funded, approved, signed off on…whatever. Fait accompli. Nevertheless, it was heartening to see a full bike rack and a not-insignificant number of attendees carrying around their helmets. To build a stronger Metro Milwaukee, we have to represent. We have to think long term, however frustrating it might be. Legislators, the governor, and WDOT need to know we’re watching.

Even now, there is plenty of room for improvement to this project. The transit mitigation fund of ~$25 million is a pittance for such a lengthy project. The barriers between the expanded freeway and adjoining neighborhoods appear to be of the same kind that exist today when much more effective options exist. Distress lanes through the stretch near Hawley road are nonexistent.

Hopefully the comments submitted tonight and online get this message across.

One of the younger engineers, when asked “so, how soon before we have to widen it again?” replied “well, hopefully not in my lifetime.” Here’s hoping he 1) lives a long and healthy life, and 2) is right.