Gov. Scott Walker (C) and officials cut the ribbon on WisDOT’s completed Zoo Interchange project. (Gov. Scott Walker photo)

Gov. Scott Walker announced Aug. 27 the Zoo Interchange Core is completed on time and on budget. The Core project is designed to last for 75 years and represents a more than $300 million investment to complete the reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange between 70th Street and 124th Street on I-94; along with the work on I-41 between Lincoln Avenue and Watertown Plank Road.

Walker made the announcement at the Milwaukee County Zoo and was joined by Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Dave Ross, Wauwatosa Mayor Kathy Ehley, Milwaukee County Zoo Director Chuck Wickenhauser and Pettit National Ice Center Executive Director Randy Dean.

“The Zoo Interchange Core is completed on time and on budget,” Walker said. “This project is yet another example of our commitment to a safe, smart, and reliable transportation system. This is an investment that serves all of Wisconsin and its completion is important to the continued growth of the region and the state. I thank all of the hardworking women and men who worked on this project, and I thank the many businesses and community leaders for their partnership and support.”

Freight transported across the Zoo Interchange amounts to more than $55 billion annually, with $576 million in tourism-related sales for those taking the Zoo to tourist related destinations.

“Today marks the completion of one of Wisconsin's most challenging transportation projects in state history,” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Dave Ross said. “We are proud to say that we were able to deliver this project on time and on budget while maintaining access in each direction.”

For more information, visit projects.511wi.gov/zoo-interchange-project.

Today's top stories

Iconic Hotel Being Demolished to Make Way for Baseball Stadium

MD 4 Project to Add Diamond Interchange

Volvo Construction Equipment Showcases New Products at North American Volvo Days

VIDEO: Anniversary of Highway Workers' Memorial Renews Calls for Work Zone Safety

Yanmar Compact Equipment Introduces New Line of Branded Attachments for Compact Track Loaders

Caterpillar Introduces Dynamic Energy Transfer Solution for Battery, Diesel-Electric Mining Equipment

Five Finalists Compete for Grand Prize Makeover in Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest

VIDEO: Students From Washington, Ohio Earn Top Honors in Annual ARTBA Transportation Video Contest