underpass of port of miwlaukee highway

Port Milwaukee Project

Project Update

The project begins construction mid-summer, with completion expected by the end of 2025. A variety of green infrastructure practices will be used to manage highway runoff onsite, keeping it out of Lake Michigan. These include native plantings, bioretention basins, and additional stormwater trees.

During construction, there will be:

  • No full roadway closures.
  • Limited temporary local lane closure.
  • Limited temporary I-794 shoulder closures.
  • •Grading, utility, and landscape work anticipated.
  • Soil will be hauled off; dump truck traffic to be expected.

Please see the traffic plan for more detail. 

If you have questions or comments about the project, please use the comment form on the bottom of the page.

Project Overview

The Port Milwaukee Overpass Project is the fourth Green Highways project to address highway stormwater runoff. Untreated, highway stormwater runoff carries a variety of pollutants, including vehicular fluids, salts, and particulates from exhaust, tires, and pavement, to nearby waterways and Lake Michigan.

The stormwater runoff will be redirected to a variety of green infrastructure practices that will keep the stormwater on-site. Early designs note that the site lends itself well to the use of bioswales, stormwater trees, and native plants. Skillfully designed green infrastructure practices will also enhance this “gateway” to Milwaukee.

Project Map

Project Goals

  • To develop a design that addresses highway stormwater runoff through innovative green infrastructure.
  • Leverage green infrastructure design to enhance the Port’s “gateway” to Milwaukee.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders and the community throughout the design progress to incorporate community goals.

Timeline

  • Engineering Design – March 2024 – February 2025
  • Construction – May 2025 – November 2025
  • slide

    Project site looking north.

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    Slopes offer potential areas for native plantings and stormwater trees.

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    Bioswales are being considered for the median to address street runoff.

Partners

Get Involved / Stay Informed

  • Sign up to receive Port Milwaukee Overpass Project updates in your inbox below.

  • Participate in upcoming events. MMSD will conduct several stakeholder and public engagement opportunities for input and feedback. Check back here for information and updates.

  • Follow MMSD on social media (TwitterInstagramFacebook) for updates on MMSD projects.

Resources

Comments / Questions

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Additional Green Highway Projects