So, the Interstate 94 interchange at Drexel is in doubt again … and plans may not accelerate unless the state or other local governments step up with increased funding.
At first glance, that seems like a dead-end proposal.
From the story in Thursday’s Daily Reporter:
Franklin officials are seeking help from the state or other cities as they face a Saturday deadline to get $500,000 for the Drexel Avenue interchange.
Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor and members of the city’s Common Council said they want the Interstate 94 interchange built but refuse to spend local taxes on the project, which is east of the city’s border with Oak Creek. The state is requiring local governments to pay half of the project’s $12.9 million budget.
In an effort to keep negotiations between Franklin and Oak Creek open, Taylor is offering to spend $350,000 on the project if Oak Creek agrees to widen Drexel Avenue from two to four lanes. Franklin’s Common Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to keep the offer on the table and continue negotiating with Oak Creek.
Taylor called on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to pay for the project itself, or for other local communities to help pay the remaining $500,000.
“If the city of South Milwaukee or others are going to benefit from this,” Taylor said, “there is room for them to contribute.”
But should we? I’d be interested to know what my readers think on this.
The benefits to South Milwaukee would be real, as a Drexel interchange at I-94 provides another freeway access point for existing residents and businesses … and, more importantly, residents and businesses looking to move here.
How much is that worth? It’s hard to tell for certain, but there is a value there.
I campaigned for alderman on a simple slogan: “Let’s invest in our city, not just spend.”
Is this an investment worthy of consideration for South Milwaukee? Post your comments below.
South Milwaukee Blog 
I can see OC’s opposition to this ramp. Rawson may need to be widened.
The Drexel ramp would also help to develop the old Delco/Delphi AC Spark plug location, too.
My response was magically edited for some reason?? I meant that Nicholson/Pennsylvania would need to be widened.
It’s a good idea and should be supported. However, since any time money is spent, we need to prioritize. I suggest the following priorities for local transportation based on recent proposals:
1. Resurface / Repair Hoan Bridge
2. Extend the Lake Park Freeway South
3. Drexel Interchange
Money for all of the above can come from what is NOT listed – building the useless cost-sink otherwise known as the choo-choo.
Keri A. — We’ll have to agree to disagree on the “choo choo.” But I want to be clear: I support the KRM commuter rail line project, linking Milwaukee to Chicago, through South Milwaukee. I am much more hesitant on the Milwaukee-to-Madison high-speed rail project, which I have serious doubts about. The KRM line will provide a significant economic development boost for South Milwaukee. You can see my thoughts on the commuter line at my post found here: http://4thdistrictblog.com/2010/01/23/where-i-stand-on-regional-transit-%e2%80%a6-and-rail/
OK, I can go along with the Chicago link. That make a lot more sense. (Although I would like it to be real high-speed as defined in Europe / Japan and not the medium speed everyone is calling high-speed for political purposes). It’s the massively subsidized – but still massively expensive at $60 per ticket ride out to Dane County Airport where you still need additional transportation / fares to the capitol / business district / university that makes little sense.