August 6, 2025

By Lane Kimble

Utility negotiations drove up the anticipated cost of the I-94 East-West Corridor expansion by about $150 million.

The project, which will expand about 3 ½ miles of outdated, dangerous, and crowded interstate in Milwaukee County from six to eight lanes, will now cost $1.65 billion according to the latest Transportation Projects Commission report.  WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman filed the report with the TPC on August 1.

Meanwhile, the report added the newly approved US 51 reconstruction between Highway 30 and I-39/90/94 in Madison.  That project will cost about $183 million, rebuilding the Highway 30 interchange and improving 11 traditional intersections, including the US 151 (East Washington Ave.) intersection.

Costs for the eight major projects currently active decreased about $8 million since Boardman’s last report to the TPC in February.

The TPC is a 15-member panel chaired by Gov. Tony Evers.  It meets every December and recommends major projects for study in odd-numbered years and funding for such projects in even-numbered years headed into the state budget process.