Official Notice: 2026 Infrastructure Updates and Public Health Advisories for February 1

Public Infrastructure Alert: 27th Street Viaduct Closure

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued a major traffic advisory for the coming week. Starting Monday, February 2, 2026, the 27th Street Viaduct is scheduled to close for a significant rehabilitation project. This long-term closure will affect one of the city's primary north-south arteries. Commuters are encouraged to utilize today, Sunday, February 1, to finalize alternative travel plans. Official detours will likely involve the 16th Street Viaduct or 35th Street as primary bypass routes. Residents should expect increased traffic volume on adjacent neighborhood streets during the initial phases of the project.

Department of Revenue: Property Tax Deadlines and Extensions

As of today, February 1, 2026, interest and penalties began accruing on any delinquent property tax balances from the previous year. Specifically, the interest charge on delinquent taxes is 1% per month, calculated from today through the month of payment, with an additional penalty of 0.5% per month on the entire balance. However, the City Assessor has announced a deadline extension for 2026 property tax exemptions. Because the statutory deadline of March 1 falls on a Sunday this year, the filing date for new exemption requests and low-income housing certifications has been officially moved to Monday, March 2, 2026.

Health Advisory: Cold Weather Safety and Disease Monitoring

Following recent extreme cold warnings issued in late January, the Milwaukee Health Department remains on high alert. While the most severe warnings have subsided, health officials remind residents that prolonged exposure to current temperatures still poses a risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Vulnerable populations are encouraged to seek assistance through the city's warming network, which includes the Washington Park Senior Center and other community-based locations. Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is closely monitoring a confirmed case of measles reported in neighboring Waukesha County. Local families are advised to review their vaccination records and contact their primary healthcare provider with any concerns regarding symptoms or exposure.

Winter Parking Regulations and Sunday Exemptions

Winter parking rules remain strictly enforced citywide through March 1 to ensure emergency vehicle access. For today, Sunday, February 1, residents are reminded that an exception exists for overnight permits: no permit is required for vehicles parked on city streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. This permit holiday does not, however, exempt drivers from following posted signs regarding street cleaning or other specific local restrictions. In the event of a sudden snow emergency, alternate-side parking rules would trigger immediately, requiring vehicles to be moved to the correct side of the street by 10:00 p.m.

Civic Engagement: Upcoming Meetings and Town Halls

• 3rd District Town Hall: Alderman Alex Brower will host a public meeting on Monday, February 2, at 6:15 p.m. at The Vivarium. The session will focus on local operations and resident resources.
• Common Council Schedule: The full Milwaukee Common Council is next scheduled to convene on February 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
• Business Summit: Residents and entrepreneurs are reminded of the ongoing workshops from the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit, aimed at providing resources for neighborhood economic development.