EAST WELLS STREET
REPLACEMENT PROJECT

OVERVIEW

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works and State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation are planning to replace East Wells Street from North Broadway to North Prospect Avenue (.44 mile). The scope of work includes removing and replacing deteriorated pavement, curb & guttter, driveway approaches and sidewalk. Pedestrian curb ramps will be built to meet ADA compliance, and we will enhance pedestrian and bike accommodations. Drainage structures, street lighting and traffic signals will also be upgraded.

GOALS

• Upgrade pavement conditions
• Better organize all modes of traffic 
• Manage driving speeds
• Improve visibility for all users
• Make travel safe and comfortable for everyone

FACTS

• East Wells Street is a connecting highway (STH 32), classified as a minor arterial
• Average Daily Traffic Count: 2,600-5,200 vehicles
• Posted speed: 30 mph
• No existing bus routes
• Right of Way: 80 ft
• Roadway Width
  • N. Broadway to N. Van Buren St.: 60 ft
  • N. Van Buren St. to N. Prospect Ave.: 44 ft

FUNDING

Estimated construction cost is $5.5 to $6.0 million dollars. Approximate Breakdown: 

Preliminary Engineering

• 75% cost covered by State
• 25% cost covered by the City

Construction Costs

• 45% cost covered by the State 
• 55% cost covered by the City

EXISTING CONDITIONS

MAP

PROJECT SCHEDULE

We are currently in the design phase through 2022. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2023. 

COMMUNITY MEETINGS & DOCUMENTS 

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works holds public involvement meetings to receive input and share project details with residents and businesses located in the project area. 

Virtual Public Involvement Meeting #1 – February 9, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

The purpose of the 1st public meeting is to introduce the project, and gather community experience to start design options. We want you to tell us: How do you get around your neighborhood and where are you going? What problems do you see and experience, while walking, driving, or riding a bike? What do you like about the current street? What dont you like about it? Where is it difficult or dangerous to cross the street? What do you want to see on Wells Street?

To join on your computer or mobile app - Click here to join the meeting

If you prefer to call in (audio only): 414-251-0392 and enter code 61567128#

• Presentation 
• Meeting recording 

Public Involvement Meeting #2 - Summer 2021

Purpose: Provide traffic data, and show feasible design options based on initial community feedback, and design work

We want you to tell us: How do the proposed designs work for you? Do the proposed designs capture what the community wants? Are we missing anything?

Pre-Construction Meeting - Early Spring 2023

Purpose: Outline construction schedule, staging details, and address concerns of expected impacts