Milwaukee's National Ave Project to Disrupt Busy Corridor for 3 Years

City leaders warn of traffic, access issues as crews rebuild 2.6 miles of the busy street

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:40am

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A major reconstruction project on National Avenue in Milwaukee will begin soon, impacting 2.6 miles between South 39th and South 1st streets over the next three years. City officials say the first phase from 39th to 27th streets will start in the coming weeks, with traffic reduced to one lane and detours in place. Business owners and residents have voiced concerns about access and parking during the disruptive construction period.

Why it matters

National Avenue is a busy commercial corridor in Milwaukee, and the reconstruction project aims to improve bike lanes, pedestrian safety, lighting, and traffic signals. However, the multi-year construction is expected to cause significant disruptions for businesses and residents along the route.

The details

The first phase of the project will run from 39th to 27th streets, with crews working from 7am to 7pm Monday through Saturday. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane through the work zone, and on-street parking will be limited, though officials say side street parking and nearby lots will be available. The full 2.6-mile project will be completed in phases over about three years, eventually continuing east toward South 1st Street.

  • The first phase from 39th to 27th streets will begin in the coming weeks and run through December 2026.
  • The full 2.6-mile project on National Avenue is expected to take about three years to complete.

The players

City of Milwaukee

The local government overseeing the National Avenue reconstruction project.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)

The state transportation agency collaborating with the City of Milwaukee on the project.

David Tapia

Milwaukee Department of Public Works major projects manager, providing details on the construction plan.

Halo McDonald

A resident living along the National Avenue corridor.

Maria Guadalupe Escobar

Another resident living along the National Avenue corridor.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be kind of a nightmare, but the end product is what we are excited about: to look at the ways to slow traffic down.”

— David Tapia, Milwaukee Department of Public Works major projects manager

“It's very active, it's very busy, a lot of cars go flying through here.”

— Halo McDonald, Resident

“Day or night, this street is always active.”

— Maria Guadalupe Escobar, Resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This major reconstruction project on Milwaukee's National Avenue will cause significant disruptions for businesses and residents over the next three years, but the city hopes the end result of improved bike lanes, pedestrian safety, lighting, and traffic signals will be worth the temporary inconvenience.