Some Drivers Too Eager For Drexel Ave. Reopening

Lest there be any doubt that people are anxious for the opening of Drexel Avenue and the new interchange:

Oak Creek police have fielded multiple calls since Friday about drivers going around barricades in the Drexel Interchange and ignoring "bridge out" signs, according to the department logbook.

A 29-year-old resident of the area told police Sunday afternoon that several cars have tried to get on the freeway at Drexel Avenue, with at least one car successfully going around the barricades and onto the freeway.

Officers monitoring the area also saw several people driving past "bridge out" signs and across the new Drexel Avenue bridge. One driver told police a construction manager said it was OK for residents of the area to cross it, but police said they had not been told that and advised drivers should not be crossing the bridge until it opens.

Drexel Avenue has been open to local traffic since construction started in February, but the bridge remains closed. Sheriff's deputies told Oak Creek police they would bring more construction barrels and barricades to block vehicles from using the bridge.

Police stopped and warned three drivers on Friday and a few more on Sunday, according to the logbook.

Motorists won't have to wait much longer for the opening of the new Drexel Interchange and an expanded Drexel Avenue — a ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday afternoon.