I-94 East-West Econ Connect supports WisDOT budget request for highway project schedule
I-94 East-West Econ Connect has announced strong support for keeping Wisconsin's key highway modernization project on track with current budgets. Leaders say maintaining momentum is critical for public safety and economic activity along one of Wisconsin's busiest corridors.
The I-94 East-West Econ Connect announced its support on Sep. 23 for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 2027-2029 budget request, which aims to keep the I-94 East-West Corridor modernization project on schedule and within previous budget estimates.
Amanda Payne, President and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, issued a statement on behalf of the coalition: “Keeping the I-94 East-West project on schedule and within budget is essential for both public safety and our regional economy. WisDOT’s budget proposal demonstrates a clear understanding of the impact project delays have on local businesses and commuters every day.”
Payne also said, “This corridor is the busiest in the state and drives billions in commerce, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and provides vital access to regional medical centers. We applaud the department for advancing a plan that prevents a two-year delay and all the associated costs.”
The I-94 East-West project covers a 3.5-mile stretch between rebuilt Marquette and Zoo interchanges. The corridor has operated beyond its intended design capacity for years, with elevated crash rates, supply chain bottlenecks, and costly delays affecting families commuting as well as commercial freight. The upgrade began last fall after extended planning.
I-94 East-West Econ Connect is described as a coalition consisting of community development organizations, businesses, institutions, labor unions, and other entities focused on rebuilding and modernizing this more than 60-year-old corridor to strengthen economic benefits regionally.
The Waukesha County Business Alliance serves as a countywide chamber representing over 1,200 member companies employing more than 120,000 people in Waukesha County. The organization works to strengthen the local economy through advocacy efforts aimed at fostering economic growth across diverse industries in Waukesha County, according to the official website.