I-43 construction project causes commuter nightmares

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The construction project on I-43 northbound and southbound is in full swing, bringing a much-needed facelift to the historic freeway -- but it's also causing drivers headaches during the morning and evening commute. 

The construction is part of the $500 million Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reconstruction project, stretching between Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties.

The project looks to expand I-43 from four to six lanes, it also includes a new interchange at Highland Road, along with the replacement of the Union Pacific railroad bridge over I-43 in Glendale.

A section of Port Washington Road in Glendale will also expand from two lanes to four.

This stretch of interstate is among the busiest in the state.

"I think there should be a larger plan at hand, that kind of address, not just all this small patchwork that just leads to bigger problems," said Alex Edirisinghe, a Milwaukee driver.

According to the DOT, the freeway makeover was needed to address pavement and structural needs, safety issues, along with existing and projected traffic volumes.

The summer construction has people who used to live in Milwaukee questioning the city's lack of mass transit, something the state department of transportation has been toying with since May, as they introduced the idea of a passenger rail system connecting the state's biggest cities.

"There are better ways of getting around that can be more community-oriented and less distributive ultimately," said Roman Edirisinghe, former Milwaukee resident.

Construction on I-43 is expected to wrap sometime in 2025, at the earliest.

The project began in late 2021.

For more information on the construction project click the links below:

Summer 2023 Get Around Guide for I-43 in the Milwaukee and Glendale areas, newer traffic configurations.

Summer 2023 Get Around Guide for I-43 from Silver Spring up to Grafton; work that has been in place/ongoing.

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