I-43 bridge project almost complete, lanes and ramps to reopen

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- After months of ramp and lane closures, I-43 is set to open all three lanes in both directions.

Starting Thursday evening, June 20th, crews will reopen all northbound lanes on the highway. The changes will be seen by lunchtime on Friday, June 21st.

"That'll be excellent. People will really love that," said driver William Belle. "It was a hassle, it was a big hassle."

Michael Pyritz of the DOT explains, "The northbound lanes, we've been working towards having open for Summerfest since day one of the project. We knew it would be very important to get downtown, people get to lakefront, fireworks, Summerfest, all the other activities."

All southbound lanes on I-43 are expected to reopen before Summerfest next week.

The ramp from 794 West to 43 South toward Chicago is also opening this weekend, however it is set to close again on July 8th.

"We still have more work to do, but once again for that 12 to 13 day window around Summerfest, we'll have that ramp open for everybody," said Pyrtiz.

A full freeway closure on 894 near Greenfield Ave. to demolish the existing bridge will begin Friday around 9 p.m. The closure is only expected to last about 12 hours.