Construction on National Avenue in Milwaukee’s south side is creating significant traffic disruptions, detours and delays for drivers and nearby residents. The work stretches along National Avenue from South 27th Street to South 39th Street, where the road is torn up and currently open to westbound traffic only. On Thursday, crews also closed the southeast corner of South 35th Street, forcing northbound drivers to detour before reaching the South 35th Street viaduct.
The closure is redirecting more vehicles onto quiet residential streets such as Scott Street, turning them into unexpected overflow routes during both morning and evening commute times. Residents say the increased traffic has changed the character of the neighborhood and made daily travel more difficult. One neighbor said she does not want heavy traffic coming down her block and described the flow as nearly bumper to bumper. Another resident said the detours have made it almost impossible to reach the grocery store and added that the street, which was once calm and quiet, now experiences something like a rush hour.
Reporters with WISN 12 News documented the impact firsthand, timing a trip from the Aldi at 35th and Greenfield back to the station. Without detours, Google Maps estimated the drive at nine minutes, but the actual route, using the posted detour signs, took much longer because drivers must turn onto Greenfield, travel several blocks east, then navigate around the viaduct closure and reconnect with National Avenue before crossing back north. The full trip took 15 minutes and 39 seconds, highlighting how the road work is affecting even short local errands.
The South 35th Street and National Avenue intersection project is expected to last until at least July. The construction is part of a joint effort between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Milwaukee. Officials have urged drivers to remain patient, follow posted detours and check 511 for the latest road closures and traffic updates before heading out. Neighboring streets, especially those not designed to handle heavy through traffic, are absorbing much of the burden as the project continues.
