I-43, Capitol to Hampton Ave, Milwaukee
2025 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: CORRE Inc.
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
I-43 is a critical link in Wisconsin’s infrastructure, transporting goods and people throughout the southeast corner of the state. A particularly tricky part of its reconstruction involved removing an outdated bridge over an abandoned railyard and replacing it with a lowered roadway flanked by two retaining walls. Even with an excellent design in place, the construction portion of the project ran into unique issues.
CORRE managed the construction of the project with care. The project faced numerous challenges, including the relocation of two cell towers that caused a 150-day delay, managing over 200 change orders in the first eight months and overcoming significant technical hurdles such as addressing a 20-foot grade change. Despite the demanding scope, two lanes of traffic in each direction were maintained throughout construction, ensuring minimal disruption for commuters.
Success was achieved through exceptional teamwork and innovative solutions. Fly ash, frost-free backfill and thermal blankets kept the site operational during winter, while night work and overlapping project stages expedited progress. By using out-of-the-box solutions to on-site problems, the team saved over $1 million. Despite delays and other issues, the project was completed with minimal cost overruns.
Praised by commuters and businesses alike, this phase of I-43 reconstruction demonstrates how proactive, on-site problem-solving can transform a daunting challenge into a celebrated success.