Originally completed in 1963, the interchange that connected visitors to the Milwaukee Zoo and people to the Regional Medical Center suffered from serious deterioration. The 56-year-old interchange could no longer safely accommodate the 350,000 vehicle per day and its outdated design featured left- and right-hand entrance and exit ramps spaced too close together, contributing to crash rates between two and five times higher than the statewide average. The $986 million Zoo Interchange Core Adjacent Arterial project was a collaborative between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the public to improve safety and the operations of the freeway. This project used a variety of innovative solutions and designs, including 3D design and clash detection modeling. Throughout the design and construction process, the Wisconsin DOT kept the public informed and engaged. With these innovative design approaches, the agency minimized the construction impact on neighborhoods, while prioritizing safety and efficiency – ultimately improving access and increasing traffic flow through the interchange.
America's Transportation Awards 