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Presentation by Engineering Division of the preliminary design alternatives for the reconstruction of STH 181 (Glenview Avenue & Wauwatosa Avenue) from Wisconsin Avenue to Center Street ahead of Public Involvement Meeting #1 (PIM)
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Submitted by:
Jeni Schroeder, PE
Senior Civil Engineer
Department:
Department of Public Works, Engineering
A. Issue
Presentation by Engineering Division of the preliminary design alternatives for the reconstruction of STH 181 (Glenview Avenue & Wauwatosa Avenue) from Wisconsin Avenue to Center Street ahead of Public Involvement Meeting #1 (PIM). This work is included in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Project 1121.
B. Background/Options
The purpose of this project is to address the deteriorated pavement condition, structural maintenance, aged public utilities, known safety and operational issues and substandard bike and pedestrian facilities within the subject section of STH 181.
Michael Baker International, Inc. was retained in January 2025 to perform design services for the reconstruction of STH 181 (Glenview Avenue & Wauwatosa Avenue) from Wisconsin Avenue to Center Street. This project includes the intersection of North Avenue.
This is a Connecting Highway project, led by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation with the City assisting in the design process and construction oversight. The roadway scope has been set by WisDOT and meets the criteria of their Scoping Certification and Operational Certification processes. As a result of these processes, Michael Baker International, Inc. has developed specific travel and bike lane layouts for each segment within the corridor, two alternatives for the intersection of Glenview Avenue and Harwood Avenue and two alternatives for the intersection of Wauwatosa Avenue and North Avenue.
The adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Plan outlined a network of infrastructure improvements to facilitate safe, convenient travel for all users of the right-of-way. The proposed design coincides with the designated bike routes proposed in the plan. This project will be presented to the Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Committee for discussion at their October 27th, 2025, meeting.
The second Local Officials Meeting will be held on October 29th, 2025 at 10:00am via virtual platform.
The first Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) will be held on November 19th, 2025 at the Wauwatosa City Hall in the Lower Civic Center from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
This project it is currently scheduled for construction in 2031 & 2032, but is advanceable to 2030, subject to future DOT funding and scheduling.
C. Options
Alternatives for the intersection of Glenview Ave & Harwood Ave
1) Signalized intersection with NB island
2) Signalized intersection without islands
Alternatives for the intersection of Wauwatosa Ave & North Ave
1) Signalized intersection with right turn islands
2) Protected signalized intersection with separated bike lanes
D. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2 - Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 1 - Optimize infrastructure to handle 100-year weather events.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 2 - Ensure the City’s infrastructure supports public health through multi-modal transportation and recreation opportunities.
E. Fiscal Impact
All alternatives will have similar costs.
This project is partially funded through WisDOT’s Connecting Highway Program. Eligible project costs are mostly funded by WisDOT. The formula to determine the City’s share is based on safety and operational improvements within each segment and at each intersection.
F. Recommendation
This item is for informational purposes only, no Committee action is needed tonight.
As part of WisDOT’s environmental process, public comment is taken into consideration when selecting a preferred alternative, but the type of bike and pedestrian facilities to provide along STH 181 is a policy decision. Staff is looking for comments on the alternatives.
After we receive public input at the first PIM, staff will make a recommendation as to a selected alternative which will be brought back to this committee prior to the second PIM which is expected to be held in the fall of 2026.