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HOWARD AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

 

  • OVERVIEW
  • PROJECT UPDATES
  • COMMUNITY MEETINGS & DOCUMENTS
  • CONTACT US 

PARKING DURING CONSTRUCTION

The City offers night parking exemption for residents impacted by construction. To receive an exemption, call the Night Parking Desk at 414-286-8300 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. Sunday night through Friday night. The exemption will last thirty (30) days and you may request a second exemption if the project exceeds thirty days. 

OVERVIEW

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) is reconstructing Howard Avenue from S. 6th Street to S. Clement Avenue (1.3 miles). The scope of work includes removing existing pavement and replacing with new 9-inch concrete pavement, curb & gutter, driveway approaches and sidewalk. Pedestrian curb ramps will be built to meet ADA compliance. Drainage structures, street lighting and traffic signals will also be upgraded. Bike lanes will be added in both directions throughout the corridor. 

PROJECT SCHEDULE 

Construction for this project is underway. Please view the "PROJECT UPDATES" tab of this webpage for the latest updates on construction impacts and schedule. 

Tree removal for the project has concluded. The full map of trees being removed and planted can be found here. Simplified maps of trees being removed are linked below: 

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

FUNDING 

Estimated construction cost is $8.0 to $8.5 million dollars. Approximate construction cost breakdown: 

  • 80% cost covered by the State 
  • 20% cost covered by the City

FACTS 

  • East/West Howard Avenue is a Local Road, classified as a minor arterial from Clement to Howell, and a MAP 21 Principal arterial from Howell to 6th.
  • Average Daily Traffic Count: 12,200-22,800 vehicles
  • Posted speed: 30 mph
  • No existing bus routes
  • Roadway Width: 28-ft roadways

Project Completion Notice - June 6, 2025

Click to enlarge

Previous Project Updates:

Construction Stages

Construction for the project took place in two stages. Both stages are complete. 

Pre-Stage 1

During this stage, the inside lane in the eastbound direction will be closed from S. 6th Street to S. 3rd Street, and the the inside lane in the westbound direction will be closed from S. 5th Street to S. Clement Avenue. This configuration will allow for the removal of median noses and the addition of temporary pavement to accommodate the traffic configuration in Stage1. 

Stage 1: Construction of the Southside of Howard Avenue

During this stage, DPW will maintain one lane of traffic in either direction on the northside of the street. 

Construction of the southside of the street in front of Bay View Montessori, between S. Austin Street and S. Whitnall Avenue, will not begin until June 12 and will be completed by September 3. 

Stage 2: Construction of the Northside of Howard Avenue

During this stage, DPW will maintain two-way traffic from S. 6th Street to S. Howell Avenue on the southside of the street. One-way traffic in the eastbound direction will be provided on E. Howard Avenue from S. Whitnall Avenue to S. Clement Avenue on the southside of the street. 

DPW is on schedule to complete this project during the 2024 construction season. All timelines are estimates and subject to change. 

Parking 

On-street parking on Howard Avenue (within the project limits) will not be allowed during construction. Side streets will be available for on-street parking. 

FINAL DESIGN PLAN

We divided Howard Avenue into two sections for design plans. Below are the final designs for each section.

Design plans for Howard Ave - S. 6th St. to S. Howell Ave.

On both east and westbound lanes:

  • 6' Sidewalk
  • 7.25' Terrace 
  • 5.75' On-Street Bike Lane
  • 10' Driving Lane
  • 10' Driving Lane 
  • with a 16' Median in between 

Design plans for Howard Ave - S. Howell Ave. to S. Clement Ave.

On both east and westbound lanes:

  • 6' Sidewalk
  • 7' Terrace 
  • 6' Raised Bike Lane
  • 8' Parking Lane
  • 10' Driving Lane 
  • with a 16' Median in between 

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. 

Public Involvement Meeting #3 - June 6, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Open house, in-person meeting at Bay View Montessori School, 357 East Howard Avenue, in the gymnasium 

Virtual Public Involvement Meeting #2 - May 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Public Involvement Meeting #1 – October 7, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Documents

PROJECT CONTACT

Sarah McClanahan, Marketing & Communications Officer
[email protected]
414-286-3318