City of West Allis Implements AI-Based Traffic Optimization to Manage I‑94 East‑West Reconstruction Impacts
WEST ALLIS, WI — The City of West Allis has completed a major congestion‑mitigation initiative designed to proactively address the travel disruptions anticipated from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) I‑94 East‑West Corridor Modernization Project. Through a partnership with WisDOT, TAPCO, NoTraffic, and Outdoor Lighting Construction Company, the City deployed an advanced AI‑based traffic detection and signal‑optimization system along the W. Greenfield Avenue (WIS 59) corridor—one of the community’s most critical east‑west routes.
The I‑94 East‑West reconstruction spans 3.5 miles from S. 70th Street to S. 16th Street and includes significant freeway and interchange upgrades, long‑term closures, and capacity reductions expected to continue through 2028. These changes are projected to divert traffic onto local streets including W. Greenfield Avenue, a state connecting highway and designated truck route. To reduce congestion and maintain safe, reliable mobility for residents, businesses, and emergency responders, the City implemented a modern, technology‑driven solution rather than pursuing temporary roadway expansions.
A Data‑Driven Solution for Real‑Time Traffic Management
Funded through approximately $770,000 in WisDOT traffic‑mitigation support, the project centers on the deployment of the NoTraffic AI Mobility Platform across twelve signalized intersections. The system integrates video and radar detection to continuously analyze traffic conditions and optimize signal timings in real time. Unlike conventional, pre‑programmed signal plans, the adaptive platform responds instantly to changing construction conditions, diversions, incidents, special events, and commuter patterns.
The corridor‑wide deployment enables coordinated, real‑time adjustments that help maintain traffic progression and reduce intersection delay. City engineers also gain access to continuous operational data, including traffic counts, turning movements, performance analytics, and before‑and‑after metrics used to evaluate corridor efficiency.
Proven Results in Safety, Efficiency, and Economic Value
Following implementation, the City recorded substantial performance improvements: • A 25.2% reduction in all‑day vehicle delay, decreasing from 23.6 seconds to 17.6 seconds per vehicle.
• 26.7% lower mainline delay on W. Greenfield Avenue during the AM peak and 14.5% lower delay during the PM peak.
• 7.4% reduction in red‑light running, improving intersection safety and decreasing the likelihood of angle crashes
• Significant reductions in driver frustration, noted anecdotally by engineering staff observing fewer instances of horn honking outside City offices located along the corridor.
• An estimated $25.5 million in economic benefit over five years, including savings in travel time, fuel consumption, signal‑retiming costs, and reduced vehicle emissions—producing a 71:1 benefit‑cost ratio.
• Approximately 9,600 metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided over the initial five‑year period due to improved progression and reduced idling.
City Senior Principal Engineer Traci Gengler, P.E., emphasized the importance of adaptable technology: “The multiple‑year WisDOT project required continuous monitoring across changing construction stages, major events, and freeway closures. Adaptive signals allow real‑time modifications that are more efficient in both cost and staff workload. The reduction in delay along this corridor has been noticeable to staff and residents—even with increased traffic from the freeway construction project.”
Long‑Term Value for the Community
Although implemented for the I‑94 reconstruction, the system establishes a modern, scalable traffic‑management platform that will benefit West Allis long after freeway improvements are completed. The City can continue using AI‑driven optimization to respond to evolving traffic patterns, special events, and future transportation projects—shifting from traditional periodic retiming to a continuous, data‑driven operations model.
A Collaborative Effort
The project was completed with support from: • City of West Allis – Owner/Client
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) – Project Funding Partner
• TAPCO (Traffic and Parking Control Co., LLC) – Project Management/Local Traffic Vendor
• NoTraffic – Detection and Optimization Technology Provider
• Outdoor Lighting Construction Company, Inc. – Prime Contractor This partnership demonstrated how municipalities and private‑sector innovators can leverage existing infrastructure and modern analytics to solve regional transportation challenges effectively.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by City of West Allis
Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue Announces Appointment of Tim Sendelbach as Fire Chief
Sep 14th, 2026 by City of West AllisAppointment supports merger implementation and regional emergency response efforts
