First Full Freeway Closings Set for This Week

The first major freeway closures are set for the Zoo Interchange reconstruction project, centered on the Greenfield Avenue overpass, which will be demolished and rebuilt, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced.

Lane and ramp closings began Wednesday morning and are not limited to the immediate area of Greenfield Avenue. For instance, as noted below, the southbound ramp onto I-894 from eastbound I-94 is closed on Wednesday; the ramp from westbound I-94 onto I-894 south will be closed Thursday.

On Friday and Saturday, I-894 will be completely closed from the Zoo Interchange south to National Avenue.

Actual demolition of the overpass is scheduled for this weekend. Motorists should be aware of the following freeway impacts:

Wednesday (1/23)

• Right lanes closed in both directions on I-894/US 45 at Greenfield Ave (9:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m.)
• I-94 EB to I-894/US45 SB Zoo Interchange system ramp closed (9:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m.)
• Greenfield Ave will close long-term over I-894/US45 (between 98th and 101st St) for bridge reconstruction.
• The Greenfield Ave EB entrance ramp to I-894/US45 NB will close long-term for bridge reconstruction.
• The Greenfield Ave entrance ramp to I-894/US45 SB will close long-term for bridge reconstruction.

Thursday (1/24)

• Left lanes closed in both directions I-894/US45 at Greenfield Ave (7 p.m.-5 a.m.)
• I-94 WB to I-894/US45 SB Zoo Interchange system ramp will be closed (9:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m)

Friday (1/25) demolition

• I-894 US 45 NB closed at National Ave (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• I-94 WB to I-894/US45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• I-94 EB to I-894/US45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• US 45 SB to I-894/US 45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.) for bridge demolition.  Traffic will be allowed to continue US 45 SB, exit Greenfield Ave, and re-enter US 45 SB until midnight.

Saturday (1/26) demolition

• I-894/US 45 NB closed at National Ave (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• I-94 WB to I-894/US45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• I-94 EB to I-894/US45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)
• US45 SB to I-894/US45 SB system ramp closed (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)

Work is weather-permitting. Access to businesses and residences within the closure area will be maintained at all times. Watch for construction business signage and special promotions by the business community. Through traffic should use 84th Street, National Avenue, and WIS 100 as alternate routes.

The contractor, Zignego Companies, is scheduled to finish the project by late August. The bridge will re-open for the Wisconsin State Fair on July 19. This $15 million project is being coordinated in advance of the Zoo Interchange project to ensure that vital alternate routes will serve the public during major reconstruction work.

Other Zoo Interchange projects will take place this year on WIS 100, 84^th Street/Glenview Avenue and the Cleveland Avenue bridge. For detour routes and other of Zoo Interchange project information visit, www.zoointerchange.wi.gov.