As the Milwaukee streetcar project continues to move forward, it’s causing more traffic issues in downtown and on the Lower East Side.
On Monday, work began at the intersection of Broadway and Clybourn. As a result, the entire intersection will be closed for an about the two weeks. The Milwaukee Streetcar website is suggesting the following detours:
“As a detour, motorists should turn right (north) on Milwaukee Street, left (west) on Michigan Street, left (south) on Water Street then right (west) on Clybourn Street. The intersection of Michigan Street and Broadway will be open at this time. Eastbound traffic on Clybourn Street will remain open to the I-794 East (southbound) entrance ramp. Westbound I-794 traffic are advised to utilize the Jackson Street entrance ramp. WE Energies will have some work on Clybourn Street, between Lincoln Memorial Drive and Van Buren Street."
In addition, beginning this week, crews are starting track work on Ogden Avenue. The work along this part of the route is anticipated to last approximately three months. During the construction, Ogden Avenue will become a one-way eastbound between Jackson and Prospect. Motorists are asked to use Lyon or Juneau Avenue to travel westbound. Traffic on Van Buren, Astor, Farwell and Prospect remain open.
City officials hope this first leg of the 2.5-mile project connecting Milwaukee’s Third Ward, downtown, and the Lower East Side will be operational sometime next year.
