Drivers have several more months to deal with headaches associated with the 16th Street Bridge being closed, and at least until late 2026 to deal with another major closure – the 27th Street Bridge, on Feb. 2.
Both serve as major connection points for South and North Side residents and to downtown and the Menomonee Valley. Many drivers that frequented the 16th Street Bridge before it closed currently use the 27th Street Bridge as an alternative.
27th Street Bridge
Daniel Sellers, communications manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said in an email to NNS that beginning Monday, Feb. 2, the 27th Street Bridge will close long term as part of the I-94 East-West project. He said alternate routes for the bridge include 35th Street or Highway 175.
In addition, Sellers said, the eastbound I-94 exit to 26th Street/St. Paul Avenue will close. Alternate freeway exits include 13th Street and 35th Street.
“Right now, it’s anticipated that 27th Street [Bridge] will be closed until late 2026,” Sellers said, though that schedule could change due to weather. “We know these project improvements come with some traffic impacts to navigate, so please know we’re available throughout the project if you have any other questions.”
Northbound drivers on the 27th Street Bridge are already experiencing a slow down. Traffic in that direction cuts to one lane for construction as you approach St. Paul Avenue.
In response to the bridge closure, the Milwaukee County Transit System will detour the PurpleLine route starting Feb. 2. Learn more about that detour here.
You can learn more and stay up to date about the I-94 East West project here.
16th Street Bridge
City officials say construction on the 16th Street Bridge, which was partially closed to traffic in October and closed fully in December after an in-depth inspection, is going according to schedule.
“We anticipate the rehabilitation being complete by the end of October 2026,” wrote Sarah McClanahan, marketing and communications officer for the Infrastructure Division of the City of Milwaukee, in an email to NNS.
Crews are currently working on removals of the bridge’s grid deck, she said.
McClanahan said the south end of the bridge, with access from West Pierce Street, will reopen in April 2026. Motorists will be able to travel on the bridge until West Canal Street, take a detour through the Valley and exit on West Clybourn Street.
She said steps taken by the city to support businesses during the closure and inform residents include “Support for Business” signage, public meetings during the design and pre-construction phase, and regular communications with area businesses and the Menomonee Valley Partners.
Impact on Valley business and employees
Corey Zetts is executive director of Menomonee Valley Partners, which supports public-private collaboration, redevelopment and sustainability efforts in the Menomonee River Valley.
She said there are approximately 125 companies and 7,500 employees in the Valley. The bridge also serves as an access point to the Hank Aaron State Trail.
Zetts said that while the bridge closure as a whole has been a challenge, particularly impactful was the sudden closure of West Pierce Street in December. That section of the bridge was open through Canal Street until an in-depth inspection found significant wear on a floor beam.
“The ramp leading from 16th to Canal is a critical access point to them as well, especially for employees who live in our South Side neighborhoods,” she said.
She credited the city with being proactive in providing information about the project and the Milwaukee County Transit System for rerouting the 24 bus to help employees get to work.
Still, she said, the detour is a challenge and they’ve maintained communication with the city, nearby businesses and those who utilize the Hank Aaron State Trail to manage it.
“So far, everyone I’ve spoken with is making the best of it and optimistic about a spring re-opening of the southern portion of the bridge to get employees, suppliers and customers into and out of the Valley,” Zetts said.
Impact on Potawatomi
The Valley’s largest employer and company is the Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Many of its estimated 10,000-plus daily patrons and 2,500 team members used the 16th Street Bridge to access the casino’s six-story parking structure.
Jay Saunders, Potawatomi senior public relations manager, said his organization has worked closely and in a timely manner with the city and other partners regarding the project.
That information has helped them keep employees and visitors informed about what’s going on and how to navigate the changes, he said.
Alexx Zawada, Potawatomi chief marketing officer, issued a statement to NNS about the closure.
“We are thankful the structural issues with the 16th Street Bridge were discovered quickly for everyone’s safety,” he said. “We’ve been working closely with the city and other local partners to ensure our team members and guests can get to our property safely with little-to-no impact.”
Changes to expect once the 16th Street Bridge is complete
Once the project is complete, McClanahan said, the open grid steel deck will be replaced with a new solid-surface concrete deck, and existing fiberglass sidewalk plates will be replaced with solid-surface concrete.
The movable bridge operating equipment that is no longer needed will be removed and the bridge house moved underneath the bridge as part of a historical exhibit.
Existing superstructure and substructure steel will be replaced or rehabilitated, and the bridge will be sandblasted and painted, she said.
You can learn more about and stay updated on the project here.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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