Hawley Road Closure in Milwaukee Until 2028

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Business Owners Near Hawley Road Interchange Express Concerns Over Construction Impact

Business owners in the vicinity of the Hawley Road interchange are expressing concerns about potential customer loss and increased traffic as construction begins. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced that a section of Hawley Road between Park Hill Avenue and Hawley Court will be closed to drivers starting Monday, with the closure expected to last until late 2028.

This closure is part of the larger Interstate 94 East-West Project, which spans nearly four miles of I-94 between 70th and 16th streets in Milwaukee County. The eight-year project, which began in October of last year, includes the reconstruction of the Stadium Interchange and five local/service interchanges.

For Charlie Coulter, owner of Parts USA, the news is particularly worrying. His store, located near the corner of Hawley Road and Hawley Court, relies heavily on its convenience and accessibility. Coulter shared his concerns with WISN 12 News, highlighting how the closure could impact his business.

"As a small business, right? One of our main things is that we're convenient. We're easy to get to, like for the longest time," Coulter said. "I don't think people are going to think we're closed, but I think they're going to start wondering, how do we get to you guys now?"

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation explained that the closure is necessary for crews to move large equipment and begin reconstructing the bridges over the road. Bob Studer, owner of Studer Body and Paint Inc., echoed similar sentiments, noting that the project is significant and will have far-reaching effects.

Studer's business is just a few blocks down Hawley Road from Parts USA. To help ease the burden on customers, he is taking a proactive approach by providing directions and asking customers where they are coming from to tailor the guidance accordingly.

"We're proactive when we talk to them, ask them where they're coming from, give them directions that they need," Studer said. However, he also pointed out that the biggest challenge may be the traffic congestion.

"Everyone comes out from West Allis and they go up to Main Street and get on the freeway, so traffic around 4 to 5 o'clock here is very heavy," he said. When asked if the situation will worsen, he responded, "Probably. Probably."

Despite these challenges, Studer remains optimistic about the future improvements. He believes that eventually, the roadway will be better for drivers once the project is complete.

Key Points to Consider

• Closure Details: A portion of Hawley Road will be closed from Monday until late 2028.
• Project Scope: The Interstate 94 East-West Project covers nearly four miles of I-94 in Milwaukee County.
• Impact on Businesses: Local businesses are concerned about potential customer loss and increased traffic.
• Proactive Measures: Some business owners are providing directions to help customers navigate the changes.
• Traffic Concerns: Increased traffic during peak hours is a major concern for local residents and businesses.

As the project progresses, the community will be closely watching the developments to ensure that the benefits of the infrastructure improvements outweigh the temporary inconveniences.