MCTS Spring Service Changes Launch Today; Major I-94 Eastbound Restrictions Ahead

Major Transit Overhaul Begins Today

Commuters and weekend travelers using the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) should be aware that Phase II of the 2026 Service Plan officially launches today, Sunday, March 8. This phase is part of a broader effort to address budget sustainability while maintaining essential connectivity across the county. While no routes are being fully eliminated today, several key lines are seeing significant reductions in service frequency and segment adjustments.

The following routes are most impacted by today’s changes:

• Route 11 (Hampton Avenue): Implementing frequency and segment reductions.
• Route 22 (Center Street): Service streamlined with reduced non-peak frequency.
• Route 24 (Forest Home – 16th): Adjustments to segments and timing.
• Route 80 (6th Street): Frequency reductions on select segments.
• Route 88 (Brown Deer Road): Reductions in service frequency.

Additionally, riders are reminded that the new fare structure is in full effect. A single ride now costs $2.75, though the WisGo card and Umo app continue to offer fare-capping benefits to help manage costs for frequent users.

I-94 East-West Corridor Alerts

Major construction activity continues on the I-94 East-West project, specifically within the "Early East Leg" segment between 16th and 35th Streets. The 27th Street bridge over I-94 remains closed for reconstruction, and the I-94 eastbound exit to 26th Street/St. Paul Avenue is also closed long-term. Drivers should prepare for significant changes starting tomorrow night, March 9, when a long-term single-lane closure will be implemented on I-94 eastbound from 35th Street to 25th Street.

Tonight and through the week, the 35th Street entrance ramp to I-94 eastbound will also be closed. Motorists are encouraged to use Wisconsin Avenue, Clybourn Street, or 13th Street as primary detours to bypass the 27th Street corridor.

Local Roadwork and Shorewood Updates

In the Village of Shorewood, the reconstruction of Oakland Avenue reached a milestone this week. The northbound traffic lane on Oakland Avenue between Capitol Drive and Olive Street has officially reopened, and MCTS Green Line service has resumed its standard northbound path through this section. However, access to Oakland Avenue from the east remains restricted at several side streets, including Kenmore Place and Jarvis Street, as utility work and sidewalk improvements continue.

On the southwest side, work on the WIS 24 (Forest Home Avenue) resurfacing project is set to ramp up again in mid-March. Currently, drivers will find the segment between 45th Street and Howard Avenue substantially complete, though minor lane shifts remain in place for finishing touches. Expect long-term lane closures to begin shortly on the southern segment toward Janesville Road.