MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers on Wednesday, Oct. 15, announced he has approved $121 million for the reconstruction of I-94, between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive in Milwaukee County -- referred to as the West Leg Segment. 

This is the first major piece of the overall I-94 East-West project. Work is slated to begin Monday, Oct. 27. 

Here's an overview of the plan for the West Leg Segment, according to a news release from Gov. Evers' office: 

• Expanding I-94 to four lanes in each direction between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive
• Reconstructing the Hawley Road interchange as a half-interchange; ramps to and from the east will be eliminated while access to and from the west will remain after reconstruction
• Reconstructing the 68th Street / 70th Street interchange

Change Your Approach, Not Your Destination

The I-94 East-West corridor is one of the busiest routes in Wisconsin, serving approximately 158,000 -178,000 vehicles per day. To safely construct the project while maximizing available traffic flow, the following traffic impacts will take place the week of November 3:

• Long-term single lane closure in each direction of I-94 between 70th Street and Zablocki Drive
• Long-term closure of the Hawley Road Interchange
• Long-term closure of the southbound WIS 175 system ramp to westbound I-94
• Long-term closure of the 68th Street entrance ramp to eastbound I-94
• 30-day closure of the southbound WIS 175 exit ramp to Frederick Miller Way

The news release from Evers' office says construction of this scale may bring some challenges, including increased traffic and temporary detours. 

"This project is a vital investment in addressing deteriorated roadway conditions, obsolete road/bridge design, traffic demands, and high crash rates," the release says. 

Local and regional alternate routes are encouraged. Travelers should plan ahead by adding extra time, finding alternate routes, and knowing what resources are available.

Stay Updated, Stay Moving

• WisDOT will incorporate a Queue Warning System on the interstate leading up to the work zone providing advanced notice to drivers of upcoming travel times and delays
• Know Before You Go - For reliable traffic updates and travel services, visit: 511wi.gov.
• To learn more about the I-94 East-West project, visit: https://www.94eastwest.wisconsindot.gov/

Construction on the West Leg Segment is scheduled to be complete by late 2028. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

About the I-94 East-West Project

The I-94 East-West project covers approximately 3.5 miles of I-94, between 70th Street and 16th Street, in Milwaukee County. This project will modernize the corridor by improving safety, replacing aging infrastructure and reducing congestion. I-94 plays a key role in moving local traffic, commuters, tourists, freight, and other movements to major sites around and beyond the southeast region of the state. Zignego Company, Inc. is the prime contractor for the project.