Village to Start Upgrades at Capitol, Oakland Intersection Next Week

Beginning the week of March 12, construction will take place at the intersection of East Capitol Drive and North Oakland Avenue in Shorewood.

Focusing on improved pedestrian safety, modifications to the existing sidewalk (north side of street east of Oakland Avenue), the Capitol Drive median, and the westbound traffic lane will take place.

The village worked closely with Shorewood’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Committee, the engineering firm Graef, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and village staff to finalize a design that is in the best interests of Shorewood’s pedestrians and bicyclists.

These design modifications were planned under the prior Capitol Drive reconstruction/streetscaping project (completed last year), but could not be implemented under the original construction contract. Project funding, which is being shared by the village and the State of Wisconsin, was set aside in 2011 for this work, now to be completed in 2012.

Project details

• To better facilitate pedestrian traffic and those with disabilities, the Oakland Avenue sidewalk will be widened from 7.7 ft. to 9.4 ft at the Capitol Drive intersection.

• To accommodate for this width increase, the northern lane of Capitol Drive traffic (going west) will be narrowed from 11 ft. to 10 ft.

• The Capitol Drive median will also be narrowed, from 10 ft. to 8.8 ft.

• Bike lanes will remain the same.

What to expect

• While there will be congestion at this intersection, two-way traffic flow will always be maintained, although at times there may only be one lane open in either direction.

• The existing Capitol Drive bus stop on the north side of the street may need to be temporarily moved during construction. The Milwaukee County Transit System is working on a plan.

• Apartment residents will be notified of construction in front of their buildings. The contractor will maintain a usable path (either paved or gravel) as construction conditions warrant and to the extent possible per WisDOT and FHWA guidelines.

• Pedestrians will be directed with signage to use other street crossings.

• Traffic congestion may occur during construction and pedestrians and vehicle drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution. Bicyclists are also asked to use an alternate route. 

Project timing

Work will begin the week of March 12 with completion by May 25. The first stage of work will be in the westbound interior lane and center median scheduled to last until April 2. The second stage will be on the westbound outside lane and sidewalk.

Project results

These design modifications will ensure better pedestrian safety and support the special needs of those with disabilities. The village thanks its residents and business owners for their patience and support during this short construction period.

For more information, visit the Village of Shorewood website at or contact Laura Goranson at 414.704.6075 or lauragoranson@gmoxie.com. You may also call Village Manager Chris Swartz at 414.847.2701.