WisDOT to host Zoo Interchange public information meetings October 27 and 30

October 23, 2008

Public encouraged to attend and provide input on initial design concepts

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) invites the public to attend information sessions on the Zoo Interchange reconstruction study.

Monday, October 27, 2008
2 - 7 p.m.
Tommy Thompson Youth Center at State Fair Park
Gate 5, 640 S. 84th Street, West Allis
MCTS bus route 67

Thursday, October 30, 2008
4 - 8 p.m.
Wauwatosa West High School Cafeteria
11400 W. Center Street, Wauwatosa
MCTS route 85

The study team is working on a variety of reconstruction concepts for the Zoo Interchange. The study encompasses I-94 at 70th Street to the east, I-94 at 124th Street to the west, US 45 south to Lincoln Avenue and US 45 north to Burleigh. At the meetings, WisDOT will present refined modernization alternatives for each leg (north, south, east, west) and the core of the interchange. The refined modernization alternatives will include options both with and without capacity expansion (lanes). The maps and displays will also show increased detail of where the new right of way lines may be located.

“With input from the community, these concepts will continue to be refined and discussed,” said Donna Brown, WisDOT Zoo Interchange Study Director. “The public is encouraged to attend one of the public information meetings where these concepts will be on display, and engineers will be available to answer questions and receive input,” she said. The same information will be presented on both nights.

The interchange opened in 1963 and is the busiest interchange in Wisconsin. Carrying an average of 345,900 vehicles every weekday, according to 2004 data. It moves commuters, retail customers, health-care patients and freight to major commercial areas, residences, businesses, recreational and institutional sites.

Following the public meetings, the study team will further refine and narrow concepts this fall. In 2009, a public hearing will be held and a preferred alternative will be selected. Construction is slated to take place from 2012-2016.

The meeting venues are wheelchair accessible. Persons requiring the assistance of a sign language interpreter may contact Emlynn Grisar through the Wisconsin Telecommunication Relay System (dial 711) no later than three working days prior the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Emlynn Grisar, SE Region Communications
(262) 521-5373, emlynn.grisar@dot.state.wi.us