Slow the Flow: Milwaukee’s Water Street Set for Redesign

MILWAUKEE, Wis (WAUK) – There could be a reduced flow on Water Street, with work planned aimed at reducing speeding and enhancing safety for those walking and biking.

The area in question is North Water Street from East Kilbourn Avenue to East Pleasant Street. The stretch now has four car lanes, two parking lanes, two unprotected bike lanes, and a median strip.

The City of Milwaukee has proposed three new plans, all including two auto lanes, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian crossing improvements.

The differing options include right-side bus-only lanes with protected bike lanes, a center-running bus corridor with protected bike lanes, or a separate bus corridor without bike lanes.

While the project schedule and cost estimate are yet to be determined, preliminary design is funded through Tax Incremental Financing. The city is working to secure funding for final design and construction, with more public input being gathered.