Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced on March 25 a series of major capital projects aimed at improving safety, connectivity, and quality of life across the county. The projects include roadway construction, trail expansions, upgrades to transit amenities, and new playgrounds as part of efforts to drive economic growth and enhance services for residents and visitors.
The investments are designed to support local businesses, create a stronger workforce, address reckless driving concerns, and provide sustainable transportation solutions. Crowley said, “We are investing in our roads, trails, transit, and parks to create a stronger workforce, support local businesses, and combat reckless driving while providing sustainable solutions to our community’s transportation and wellness needs.” He also noted that more than $58 million in state and federal funding has been secured over the past year for these improvements.
This spring will see five new construction projects begin on key roadways such as Layton Avenue (CTH Y), Teutonia Avenue (CTH D), Sherman Boulevard (CTH G), Lincoln Memorial Drive within the park system. Additionally, over five miles of new trails will be added by 2026 with extensions planned for Oak Leaf Trail at Bender Park and Kohl Park. A feasibility study is underway for a potential bike and pedestrian trail connecting northwest side neighborhoods through the 30th Street Corridor Trail project. Transit improvements include enhancements at 65 bus stops with modern shelters and ADA-compliant boarding pads; Milwaukee County Transit System is also coordinating with federal authorities after being recommended for $21 million in upgrades along the PurpleLine Corridor.
Transportation Director Joe Lamers said: “Safe and efficient roadways, trails and transit are crucial to the economic health of our region. Our community needs reliable, safe, and affordable transportation options to connect business with employees, and families to work, school and recreation.”
The county is advancing its Vision Zero goal—eliminating traffic deaths by 2037—by launching traffic calming demonstrations this spring in partnership with several cities. Plans call for seven park access improvement projects by 2026 as well as infrastructure changes along ten Corridors of Concern starting preliminary designs in 2027.
Guy Smith from Milwaukee County Parks said: “By investing in facilities like Kosciuszko Community Center … we’re improving everyday experiences for residents while building a more accessible … parks system.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Oak Creek High School had the highest enrollment among Milwaukee County schools during the 2023-24 school year with over two thousand students enrolled. Black students made up about one-third of all students enrolled during this period—a similar proportion compared to previous years—and white students were reported as the second largest group at nearly thirty percent enrollment according to state data. Hispanic students represented about twenty-four percent—the third largest group—while multiracial students accounted for just over five percent according to DPI. Pacific Islander students remained least represented at only point one percent according to DPI data.
Looking ahead county officials say these investments will continue through future years supported by grants from agencies such as USDOT alongside local partnerships.
