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Department of Public Works
The Local Paving Program utilizes local funds to reconstruct and resurface streets where pavement condition, curb and gutter, driveway approaches and sidewalk has deteriorated. The High Impact Paving Program is a maintenance program that utilizes local funds to add asphalt overlays on streets to extend their useful life. The Alley Repaving Program utilizes local funds to reconstruct alleys that are in poor condition.
CURRENT & PLANNED PAVING PROJECTS
All projects are weather dependent and subject to change.
The Department of Public Works maintains a database that contains all the streets in the City that need improvement. It is estimated that around 40% of the City’s 1,424 miles of streets need repair.
Once a street has been flagged as in need of repair, it is included in the database as a possible candidate for improvement. The final selection to move ahead with a project includes a determination of whether the street qualifies for federal or state grantor dollars.
* The Federal/State aid process takes 4-6 years from the time a street is identified as a candidate for funding until construction. ** There are 3 roadway classifications. Streets are classified based on traffic volumes, speed limits, mobility and opportunity for uninterrupted travel.
The Local Paving Program utilizes local funds to reconstruct and resurface streets where pavement condition, curb and gutter, driveway approaches and sidewalk has deteriorated. Reconstruction and resurfacing may be done with asphalt or concrete. Where possible, traffic calming measures are also utilized in these projects.
In response to limited capital funding and increasing numbers of potholes, the City initiated the High Impact Street Program in 2013. The High Impact Street Program uses a minimally invasive resurfacing approach which leaves the street with an excellent driving surface at approximately 1/3 of the cost of full street reconstruction. The lower cost allows the City to improve nearly three times more mileage than traditional reconstruction methods.
There are approximately 7,000 lane-miles of street within the City of Milwaukee’s jurisdictional boundaries. Street segments selected for the High Impact Street Program are typically high traffic connecting streets or streets serving commercial districts, with the intent of improving driving surfaces for the largest volume of drivers possible. Street segments that have been paved through the High Impact Street Program will typically have a smooth pothole-free driving surface for many years after the street is resurfaced. Almost $60 million of City funding has been allocated to the High Impact Streets Program since its inception in 2013, including $9.75 million in 2024.
There are about 4,000 alleys City-wide providing access to parking for residences and businesses. The City of Milwaukee reconstructs about eight alleys each year. Where possible, alleys are reconstructed to incorporate green infrastructure permeable pavement. More information on permeable pavers can be found in the Alley Green Infrastructure FAQs.
All repaving projects adhere to Complete Streets by incorporating accessible accommodations, bicycle lanes, green space, green infrastructure, and traffic calming where possible. Consideration is given to the neighborhood needs and the City’s future planning when incorporating these design options.
DPW Infrastructure schedules Local Paving, High Impact Paving, and Alley Repaving projects on an annual basis. Projects may be prioritized based on condition, traffic volume, ongoing developments, and/or in coordination with other nearby utility or improvement projects.
For projects with cost assessments to adjacent property owners, local Alderpersons mail a survey to impacted property owners to notify them of the project and gauge support through a survey. If the Aldermanic survey shows support, Milwaukee Common Council’s Public Works Committee will hold a public hearing to consider the improvement and responses to the survey. A separate mailing is sent to property owners with details.
For projects without costs assessments to adjacent property owners, residents are notified by the construction team through a flyer when work is going to take place.
Residents are encouraged to connect with DPW on NextDoor where project start notices are published.