Northbound long-term lane closure to begin as part of I-43 URT bridge project

As part of the I-43 URT (Union Refrigerator Transit Company) bridge project, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is notifying motorists of an upcoming long-term lane closure along I-43 northbound, beginning just north of Capitol Drive, in Milwaukee County. The northbound right lane closure will go into place the morning of Saturday, October 2, weather permitting. The right lane is being closed to facilitate the reconstruction and realignment of the new northbound roadway.

The stretch of I-43 between Capitol Drive and Hampton Avenue averages 129,000 vehicles a day. To safely construct the project while maximizing traffic flow, a zipper merge will be utilized. The zipper merge will help motorists enter the work zone and will help traffic tie into the existing two-lane configuration along I-43 at Bender Road.

The northbound lane closure will remain in place until late 2021. The Fiebrantz Avenue entrance ramp to I-43 northbound will also be closed during this time. The southbound lanes remain in their three-lane configuration.

Initially, delays are expected, but zipper merges have proven beneficial in helping reduce traffic queues. During heavier volume time periods, drivers are asked to use all available lanes until the merge point which is marked with signage. At the merge point, vehicles need to alternate while getting into the open lane. Additional delays can occur if motorists do not take turns merging or try to block the lane prior to the merge point.

For real-time traffic information, visit https://511wi.gov/

For more information on the project visit https://projects.511wi.gov/43milw/

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.