Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces Investments in Roadways, Trails, Transit, and Parks to Improve Safety, Connectivity, and Quality of Life
MILWAUKEE – Today, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced a series of major capital projects to enhance the safety, connectivity, and quality of life in Milwaukee County. From roadway construction to trail expansions, transit amenity upgrades to new playgrounds, Milwaukee County is investing in infrastructure that drives economic growth, attracts new talent, and enhances services for families, businesses, and visitors.
“We are investing in our roads, trails, transit, and parks to create a stronger workforce, support local businesses, and combat reckless driving while providing sustainable solutions to our community’s transportation and wellness needs,” said County Executive Crowley. “Over the past year, Milwaukee County has aggressively pursued, and been awarded, more than $58 million in state and federal funding to make improvements that will benefit residents today and well into the future. Together, let’s continue this work to create safer streets, grow our economy through expanding access to job opportunities, and make Milwaukee County a healthy, accessible place for all.”
Transportation Network Investments
Milwaukee County’s investments aim to ensure a safe, efficient network for everyone, including drivers, bicyclists, bus riders and pedestrians.
- Five new construction projects will begin this spring to improve the safety and efficiency of the County Trunk Highway (CTH) system: Layton Avenue (CTH Y), Teutonia Avenue (CTH D), Sherman Boulevard (CTH G), as well as Lincoln Memorial Drive, within the Milwaukee County Park System. All five projects are anticipated to be substantially complete by fall.
- In 2026, Milwaukee County will add more than five miles of new trails, connecting more communities and closing regional trail gaps. The Oak Leaf Trail will see extensions at Bender Park and Kohl Park. A Beerline Trail extension will connect it to the Powerline Trail.
- In collaboration with the City of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), a 30th Street Corridor Trail Feasibility Study is underway to determine whether a new bike and pedestrian trail could connect Milwaukee’s northwest side neighborhoods to the local trail network.
- MCTS is completing improvements at 65 bus stops, including 25 modern bus shelters, 30 ADA-compliant concrete boarding pads, and the beautification of ten shelters.
- MCTS is coordinating with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) after it was recommended to be awarded $21 million in enhancements along the 18-mile PurpleLine Corridor.
- In 2029, MCTS plans to implement a project to enhance downtown transit travel times by retrofitting 85 buses and 24 intersections with traffic signal optimization technology.
“Safe and efficient roadways, trails and transit are crucial to the economic health of our region,” said Milwaukee County Department of Transportation Director Joe Lamers. “Our community needs reliable, safe, and affordable transportation options to connect business with employees, and families to work, school and recreation. A transportation system that provides choices better meets the mobility needs for all our residents and visitors.”
Vision Zero Infrastructure Investments
Milwaukee County is investing in infrastructure designed to make transportation safer for all users. These investments align with Milwaukee County’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2037.
- This spring, MCDOT will partner with South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and West Allis to deploy a new series of traffic calming demonstration activities that will use temporary measures to test strategies for potential permanent infrastructure upgrades.
- In 2026, Milwaukee County Parks will complete seven projects to improve safe pedestrian and bicycle access to Milwaukee County Parks.
- Milwaukee County is preparing to implement 65 infrastructure projects and two planning studies aimed at reducing speeding and crashes along ten Corridors of Concern. Preliminary designs are anticipated to begin in 2027, with completion by 2031.
Parks Infrastructure Investments
A series of capital investments in parks ranging from new playgrounds and trail expansions to community center improvements reflects Milwaukee County Parks’ long-term commitment to equity, sustainability, and high-quality public spaces.
- The aging A.C Hanson Park playground will be replaced with new playground equipment, asphalt, bike racks, and benches. Parks is exploring relocating the playground slightly west, near 70th Street within Kohl Park.
- Starting this spring, a series of improvements will enhance Bender Park, including restoring safe public access to the boat launch, roadway and drainage replacement, and an Oak Leaf Trail extension.
- Construction is set to begin on improvements to the Kosciuszko Community Center including upgrades to the façade, foyer, lobby, entrances, and exits.
- Reconstruction of the North Point Parking Lot is expected to finish over the summer.
“Milwaukee County Parks plays an essential role in supporting healthy, connected communities,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. “By investing in facilities like Kosciuszko Community Center and advancing trail projects at Bender Park and Kohl Park, we’re improving everyday experiences for residents while building a more accessible and resilient parks system for the future.”
Innovative Funding for Infrastructure Investments
Milwaukee County is committed to maximizing taxpayer dollars as it modernizes and enhances its infrastructure. While most MCDOT and MCTS projects are primarily funded through state and federal formula dollars, the County actively pursues competitive grant opportunities and intergovernmental partnerships to leverage local funds. Over the past year, MCDOT has secured more than $58 million in additional funding, including:
- Nearly $25 million to fund 67 traffic safety projects along ten of the County’s most hazardous roadways, through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant
- $21 million through the USDOT BUILD Grant Program to improve rider experience and public transit service operations along the MCTS PurpleLine transit corridor
- Nearly $8 million awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to optimize downtown transit service, upgrade MCTS’ bus fleet, and provide bus rider education
- $3,000,000 in local funding support from the City of Greenfield to reconstruct a half-mile segment of W. Layton Avenue
- $1.25 million in federal funding, secured by U.S. Representative Gwen Moore, through the annual congressional appropriations process to support new bus purchases and upgrades to the Kosciuszko Community Center
Information about Parks projects can be found at www.mkecountyparks.org. Information about MCDOT projects can be found at county.milwaukee.gov/MCDOT.
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.
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