RIVER HILLS, WI — Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman joined community leaders near River Hills, Wisconsin, to celebrate completion of the 14-mile Interstate 43 North-South project between Glendale and Grafton. The ribbon-cutting event recognized another Wisconsin infrastructure upgrade completed on time and under budget, as well as the positive impacts it brings to the region and the entire state.
“We are proud to modernize this section of I-43, which serves as a local cornerstone in supporting daily life — connecting people to schools, jobs, health care, and to one another,” Boardman said. “Completion of the I-43 North-South project shows that when we invest in Wisconsin's transportation system, we are investing in more than steel and concrete. We are attracting visitors, improving the flow of commerce, making it easier to reach our destination, and — most importantly — improving safety. Investments in transportation truly enhance the quality of life for the people of Wisconsin. We're grateful to the collaboration from local communities and our transportation partners who helped deliver these needed upgrades.”
The I-43 North-South Freeway is among the busiest routes in the state. Tens of thousands of travelers rely on this section of I-43 every day. This interstate connects manufacturers, merchants, commuters, and tourists to destinations across the region. In addition, I-43 provides access to multiple modes of transportation, including regional airports, transit bus services, passenger rail, ferry service, and the Port of Milwaukee.
“I am excited to see this project come to fruition,” Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy said. “It is more than just new lanes of concrete. It is a commitment to building infrastructure that serves people — and the willingness of leaders at every level to work together to make it happen.”
“On behalf of the entire city of Mequon, thank you to WisDOT for completing this critical infrastructure project on time,” Mequon Mayor Andy Nerbun said. “This new freeway will serve the citizens and businesses of Mequon well for decades to come, and we appreciate all involved that helped make it happen, from elected officials to WisDOT’s team right down to the men and women who performed the work.”
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Construction for the I-43 North-South project started in early 2022, and work is largely completed and the highway is open to traffic. The $550 million project widened 14 miles of interstate, rebuilt five interchanges, constructed a new interchange at Highland Road, and replaced the Union Pacific railroad bridge over I-43 in Glendale. The project also implemented southeast Wisconsin's first Diverging Diamond Interchange — an innovative approach to improving safety.
