The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently announced it will conduct a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the I-94 East/West Corridor project.
The project would rebuild I-94 between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges, one of the most dangerous roads in the state. This section was constructed 60 years ago. Temporary repairs are no longer viable, and outdated ramp design, merging patterns, and congestion have led to crash rates twice the average of similar roads in the state.
In portions of the southeast interstates that have already been modernized, crash rates have declined dramatically.
“We believe the ongoing EIS process has progressed far enough for WisDOT to undertake a supplemental EIS for the I-94 East/West project,” Craig Thompson, WisDOT secretary designee, said. “This will allow us time to better assess the changes in traffic patterns resulting from the pandemic and to receive more public input. It will also help us make certain that our efforts to ensure racial equity with this project are comprehensive and aligned with federal priorities,” he said.
An expanded public review process will enable WisDOT to obtain final federal approval of the project as early as late 2022, Thompson believes.
Upgrading the East/West Corridor will prevent injuries and deaths, Thompson said.