Baldwin Delivers $25 Million to Improve Safety Along Center Street in Milwaukee, Reduce Reckless Driving

MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced Milwaukee will receive $25 million in federal funding to make needed safety improvements along Center Street, where some of the most serious injury crashes in Milwaukee occur. The funding, from the Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to plan, design and implement proven safety interventions, such as separated bike lanes and raised intersections, to slow vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian crossings, and boost public transportation. Senator Baldwin advocated to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund this project to reduce the amount of roadway incidents and make our streets safer for pedestrians, bikers, riders, and drivers.

“Center Street is a vital link in Milwaukee helping families get to work or school and connecting entire communities to economic opportunity,” said Senator Baldwin. “At the same time, it is also one of the City’s most dangerous corridors – and I fought hard to deliver funding to change that. This funding will be used to make critical safety upgrades, ensuring that everyone—whether taking a bus, driving, biking, or walking—can get where they need to go safely.”

“The safety of our streets is a reflection of the value we place on human life. When we prioritize initiatives to make our streets safer, we are building stronger, safer, and more connected communities for all,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04).  “I am so glad that these federal funds are coming to Milwaukee as we work toward our goals to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities. This significant investment will enhance safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.  This funding is a testament to what can be achieved when federal and local governments work together.”

“I am grateful for this investment.  To be clear, this is more than just a road project; this grant will significantly improve the neighborhoods along these two miles of Center Street,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers will all benefit from the changes along this street.  I appreciate the support from Senator Baldwin and the thoughtful review of our application by the Biden/Harris administration.”

“Enhancing the safety of our roads for all who use them is one of the most important issues facing the health, well-being, and economic vitality of our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Local roadways like Center Street are in dire need of safety enhancements to reduce speeding and reckless driving. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and Senator Tammy Baldwin for delivering this critical infrastructure investment to Milwaukee County. Together, we’re working to build safer streets that our residents, families, children, and neighborhoods deserve – because lives depend on it.”

The federal funding, from DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, will be used for planning, design, and construction of safety improvements on two miles of Center Street to help address the reckless driving epidemic, improve pedestrian safety, and bolster public transportation by creating bus bulbs and optimizing bus stop locations. The project’s safety interventions will include fully separated bike lanes, curb extensions, leading pedestrian intervals, raised intersections, and a reduction of the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph.

The project area is a heavily used corridor that is characterized by wide travel lanes, narrow, unprotected bike lanes, and underutilized parking lanes that many drivers use to recklessly pass on the right. Crosswalks are often unmarked or lack high-visibility markings. This segment has elevated rates of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

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