Politics & Government

Ryan Interchange Reconstruction May Be Delayed

The work was originally planned for 2014, but the DOT wants to push back the project to an undetermined future date.

The reconstruction of the Ryan Road Interchange may not be done in 2014 as planned.

The state Department of Transportation recommended in its budget request to push back construction at the Ryan Road Interchange to an undetermined date in the future, DOT spokeswoman Emlynn Grisar said.

Grisar didn't say why the DOT wants to delay the project. Oak Creek City Engineer Mike Simmons said the state's proposed budget shows less funding for I-94 work in the Milwaukee area in general, and the Ryan Road Interchange appears to be a casualty of that.

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

State officials are still preparing the 2013-15 biennial budget proposal, so it's possible the project could be reinserted before the state Legislature approves a final version.

Construction had been scheduled for next year as part of the DOT's massive Interstate 94 north-south project—which includes the highway between the airport and Illinois border—expected to continue to 2021.

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Reconstruction of the Rawson Interchange is still on schedule to get under way this year, while the new Drexel Interchange opened at the end of 2012.

Meanwhile, unrelated work at the Ryan Road Interchange began this week.

The DOT is replacing box culvert and drainage facilities on two of the ramps: the I-94 west exit ramp to Ryan and the I-94 east entrance ramp from Ryan.

As a result, shoulders on both of those ramps will be closed until the fall. It may also mean overnight lane and ramp closures as necessary, officials said.

SuperWestern is the prime contractor for the $1.9 million project.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here