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 Van Buren Street. The initial proposed project limits were from North Broadway to North Prospect Avenue. The reason for the change in project limits is that one of the primary goals of the project is to reduce the roadway width in an effort to create a safer environment and the section from Van Buren to Prospect is already at the minimum width. In additional, changing the project limits will allow the City to reprioritize funds to improve other roadways.

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. Current design options: Review 60% design plans here

PROJECT SCHEDULE

We are currently in the design phase through 2023. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2024. 

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

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

DESIGN OPTIONS

Current design options: Review 60% design plans here

Previous design options

We have developed several design options using the feedback and input we received from residents and the community from the 1st Public Involvement Meeting held in February 2021. 

There are 2 design options for East Wells Street from North Broadway to North Van Buren Street. Tell us what you think about the options to improve the street. Your input is valuable in selecting the proposed design.

WELLS STREET FROM NORTH BROADWAY TO NORTH VAN BUREN STREET
EXISTING CONDITION

Existing Fetures:

• Sidewalk (10 ft)
• Parking lane on both sides (8.5 ft)
• On-street bike lane in each direction (5 ft)
• One driving lane in each direction (11 ft)
• Turing lane (11 ft)

OPTION A

Option A Features:

• Public space/seating (5 ft)
• Sidewalk (8 ft)
• Terrace (4 ft)
• Parking lane in each direction (7 ft)
• On-street bike lane in each direction (5 ft)
• One driving lane in each direction (11 ft)

OPTION B

Option B Features:

• Public space/seating (5 ft)
• Sidewalk (7 ft)
• Terrace (4 ft)
• Parking lane in each direction (8 ft)
• On-street bike lane in each direction (5 ft)
• One driving lane in each direction (11 ft)

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. 

Pre-Construction Meeting - Early Spring 2024
Purpose: Outline construction schedule, staging details, and address concerns of expected impacts

Public Involvement Meeting #2 - June 3, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Purpose: Show feasible design options based on initial community feedback
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?

To join on your computer or mobile app (Microsoft teams) - Click here 

If you prefer to call in (audio only): 414-251-0392 and enter access code: 505 434 783#

• Presentation 
• Click here to view the meeting recording 

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