Calling All Highways
Many cities have officially named sections of their interstate highway: The Jersey Turnpike, the Kennedy in Chicago. Even Madison, Wisconsin has the “Beltline” (think of Wisconsin as Santa and the Beltline would be right where the shinny black belt buckle goes) running east/west across the metro area. These names show up on road maps and are officially registered names.
But not Milwaukee’s highways. Historically, the traffic reporters began to give highway segments nicknames – The Rock Freeway, Plainfield Curve. But you won’t find these labels on any AAA maps.
So, if you are traveling in town with your radio on and hear about an accident at a particular interchange - here’s a key to their whereabouts:
Plainfield Curve – after arriving in Milwaukee at Mitchell International Airport and heading north towards downtown on I-94, you will come to a short stretch of highway that curves right then straightens back to the left, known as the Plainfield Curve. (Growing up in Milwaukee – but never seeing this on a map – I always thought the announcers were calling this the Playing Field curve).
Marquette Interchange – OK – this one is fairly easy to spot as you travel west from downtown past Marquette University. It’s our newly renovated artery serving the downtown connections, surrounding Marquette University’s east and north sides
Zoo Interchange - intersection of 894 and I-94 at the northwest corner of 894 (with multiple exits leading to Milwaukee County Zoo grounds)
894 Bypass – bypassing downtown on 894 from the Airport Interchange to the Zoo Interchange
Hale Interchange – Southwest corner of 894 (with exits to Hales Corners) and the start of the
Rock Freeway - the portion of road extending from 894 heading southwest to Rock County (or Rockford, IL)
Hoan Bridge – the Bridge over the Summerfest Grounds or 794 leading south out of downtown along Lake Michigan
Another tip: I-94 comes up from Chicago, past our airport, then heads west from Milwaukee to Madison and continuing across Wisconsin. When you are traveling on I-94 in Milwaukee, you will see signs that say I-94 East (towards downtown or the lakefront) or I-94 West (towards Madison). However, if you are heading to Chicago – you’d look for the East signs – even though you are heading south!
Click here for a site does provide a map with highway labels.
Posted by:
Deborah Benavides
