Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Press Release

Southern Segment of I-41 Rehab Project Nears Completion in Milwaukee County

WisDOT urges continued safe driving as northern segment continues

By - Sep 16th, 2026 09:00 am

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the southern I-41 rehabilitation project, between Burleigh Street and Silver Spring Drive, in Milwaukee County. This project started in March 2025, and it’s scheduled for completion later this month.

This section of I-41 is one of the most traveled interstate corridors in the state, with upwards of 145,000 vehicles using it each day. Download video of the I-41 south project (Burleigh Street to Silver Spring Drive). Last week, crews installed the final barrier wall. This week, teams are putting down the final pavement markings.

Other project improvements include:

  • Resurface pavement on I-41
  • Install new noise barriers along east side of I-41 south of Silver Spring Drive
  • Replace noise wall on the Hampton Avenue southbound entrance ramp
  • Add auxiliary lane from WIS 190 (Capitol Drive) to Hampton Avenue
  • Add auxiliary lane from Burleigh Street to WIS 190 (Capitol Drive)
  • Pavement rehabilitation on various ramps
  • Structure improvements on multiple bridges
  • Median repairs
  • Storm sewer improvements
  • Resurface portion of Burleigh Street
  • Lighting and signing improvements

“It has been a busy summer for our I-41 project teams,” said Liz Wells, WisDOT’s Project Leader on the I-41 project. “We are just wrapping up some last-minute items between Burleigh Street and Silver Spring Drive and are excited to get this project completed.”

Work on I-41 is not done. The northern project, located between Silver Spring Drive and Good Hope Road, is still ongoing. This project is scheduled for completion in 2027. WisDOT is reminding motorists that “Safe Actions Save Lives”, the national work zone safety theme for 2026. No matter what side of the barrels you are on, if you are in a work zone, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

In 2025, Wisconsin recorded more than 2,000 work zone crashes that resulted in 47 deaths and more than 3,600 injuries.

Today, WisDOT is showcasing an unsung hero: the WisDOT Freeway Service Team, sponsored by GEICO. These teams, contracted through WisDOT, patrol the I-41 work zone seven days a week to improve traffic flow and safety throughout the major corridor. These teams help clear crashes, remove roadway debris, and assist stranded motorists. Watch the I-41 Freeway Service Team in action.

“These service teams play a major role in our I-41 rehabilitation project, and other major projects across the state,” said Chris Hager, with WisDOT’s Bureau of Traffic Operations. “In 2025, Freeway Service Teams made more than 2,300 total traffic assists across the state. That dramatically helps improve safety and traffic flow through our work zones.” Download the interview with Bureau of Traffic Operations Supervisor Chris Hager.

This is part of WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. In Wisconsin, work zones include highway construction and rolling maintenance operations as well as emergency response, municipal projects and utility work along local roads. WisDOT engages with the Wisconsin County Highway Association, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others in the transportation industry to promote safe driving in work zones.

How can you help keep work zones safe?

  • Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and obey posted speed limits.
  • Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
  • Move over or slow down. Give space to crews to safely do their work.
    • State law includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance and disabled vehicles. In addition, state law restricts the use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
  • Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.go​v/BUPD​​.

Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety website for more tips and information.

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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