October 1, 2025

By Lane Kimble

It appears likely the Wisconsin Transportation Projects Commission will have a new interstate expansion study to ponder when it meets in December.

WisDOT confirmed to Waukesha County lawmakers this week it ranked widening and modernizing I-94 in western Waukesha County as the highest rated potential project of nine possible studies in its hopper.

Significant residential and business developments near Oconomowoc have spurred economic growth and activity along the 12-mile corridor from County SS to the Jefferson County line.

“This is a critical step toward ensuring that I-94 meets the growing needs of Waukesha County residents, businesses, and travelers,” Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said in a news release.

A coalition of trade and business groups, including WTBA, wrote a letter this summer encouraging the TPC to approve studying the I-94 expansion.

The TPC typically meets every December.  It votes to recommend projects, such as I-94, for study during odd-numbered years and presents major projects for funding through the state budget during even-numbered years.