State Advances Study of I-94 Expansion in Western Waukesha County
Waukesha County officials are applauding the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) announcement that the expansion of I-94 in western Waukesha County has been ranked as the top major highway project for future study in Wisconsin. The study would examine safety enhancements on I-94 between CTH SS and the Jefferson County line. Recent crash data shows the 12.5-mile corridor has a higher rate of fatal crashes, more than any other 4-lane interstate project currently under consideration for state funding. From 2019 to 2023, that segment had 1,446 crashes, 148 serious injuries and 6 fatalities. Two additional deadly crashes happened in 2024, including the death of a first responder.
In a letter to Waukesha County state legislators this week, WisDOT confirmed that the I-94 Waukesha project received the highest score of nine corridors evaluated statewide. The study will now head to the Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) for review this fall, with potential to move forward into the environmental study phase. The step forward follows a presentation Tuesday in Oconomowoc, where County Executive Paul Farrow and Public Works staff highlighted the importance of the I-94 expansion study.
“This is a critical step toward ensuring that I-94 meets the growing needs of Waukesha County residents, businesses, and travelers,” Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said.
The I-94 corridor through western Waukesha County has experienced increased congestion and safety challenges as traffic volumes continue to rise. County leaders have long advocated for expansion and modernization to improve traffic flow, reduce crashes, and strengthen economic development opportunities along the corridor.
The TPC is expected to meet before the end of the year to consider WisDOT’s recommendations. If approved, the I-94 Waukesha project will move into the environmental study phase, the next step before it can be enumerated for construction funding.
“Waukesha County thanks our state legislators for their leadership in pushing this project forward, WisDOT for recognizing its importance and the Waukesha County Business Alliance for their support. We look forward to continued collaboration to make the I-94 expansion a reality,” Farrow said.
