25 Most Dangerous Roads in Milwaukee: And What the County Is Doing To Change That

At PKSD we are committed to keeping our community informed about dangerous road conditions while providing exceptional legal representation to those injured in motor vehicle accidents. With fatal crashes rising at an alarming rate, county officials are actively working to implement a new County initiative to address the growing problem of dangerous driving conditions on Milwaukee’s 25 most hazardous roadways.

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Vision Zero: A Commitment to Eliminating Traffic Deaths

Milwaukee County’s new road safety program is part of its broader goal to substantially reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 2037. This data-driven approach recognizes that traffic deaths are preventable through proper engineering, enforcement and education.

The newly approved plan will implement more than 500 potential projects focused specifically on the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), strategically chosen 25 roadways that will become the focus of intensive safety improvements. These “corridors of concern” have been identified using comprehensive crash data collected between 2018 and 2022.

The Alarming Rise in Traffic Crashes

The urgency behind this initiative is clear in the statistics. Since 2014, fatal vehicle crashes have increased at a rate exceeding most of the nation. When comparing data from 2010-2012 to 2020-2022, the county experienced a troubling 42 percent increase in fatal and serious injury crashes.

This trend affects drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users who face increased risks on these dangerous corridors. Following the statement from County Executive David Crowley “We cannot continue to accept the rising toll of traffic violence in our communities”. “This focused approach will allow us to direct resources where they are needed most”.

Targeting the County’s Most Dangerous Roads

The Milwaukee Journal lists the city’s 25 most dangerous roads, that Vision Zero will focus on. These roads are distributed throughout the county but are primarily concentrated in the northern regions.

The data reveals clear patterns about which roads pose the greatest risk to County residents. Three roadways stand out for their particularly high incidence of serious crashes.

The 27th Street to Layton Boulevard tops both lists with 26 fatal crashes and 101 serious injury crashes between 2018 and 2022. At nearly 14 miles, it is the longest road on the list and the only one traversing from the county’s north to the south.

Fond du Lac Avenue ranks second with 18 fatal crashes and 73 serious injury crashes, while Capitol Drive follows with 15 fatal crashes and 69 serious injury crashes during the same period.

Notably, even the shortest corridor on the list, Miller Park Way at just 1.3 miles, recorded 10 serious injury crashes, highlighting how dangerous even short stretches of roadway can become.

Northwest Side & North Shore

The northwest side and north shore contain ten of the identified high-risk corridors, including several major arterial roads that serve as key connectors for commuters:

• North 60th Street (West Brown Deer Road to West Vilet Street)
• North 76th Street (West County Line Road to West Center Street)
• Silver Spring Drive (North 124th Street to North Lake Drive)
• Teutonia Avenue (North Green Bay Road/Interstate-43 to North 12th Street)

Near North Side

Six corridors on the near north side have been identified for safety improvements, including some of the county’s most dangerous roadways:

• Capitol Drive (North 124th Street to North Lake Drive)
• Fond du Lac Avenue (North 68th Street to North 6th Street)
• North Avenue (North 124th Street to North Lake Drive)
• 27th Street – Layton Boulevard (extends from north to south side)

Southwest & South Side

The remaining nine roads are located in the southwest and south sides of the county:

• South 60th Street – Hawley Road (Washington Boulevard to Layton Avenue)
• Miller Park Way (West National Avenue to West Lincoln Avenue)
• Layton Avenue (South 108th Street to Lake Drive South)

How Vision Zero Is Going To Reduce Fatal Crashes

The County officials’ multifaceted approach to addressing the hazardous nature of these roadways will likely include a combination of:

• Enhanced crosswalks and pedestrian infrastructure
• Lowering general speed limit parameters
• Road redesigns to encourage appropriate speeds
• Rapid response protocols and delivery timelines for potential crash scenes
• Alternatives to traffic fines
• Targeted enforcement of traffic laws

By concentrating resources on these high-risk roads, county officials aim to make the most significant impact possible with available funding.

The initiative represents a significant step toward creating a transportation network that prioritizes safety for all road users, regardless of how they choose to travel. As the Vision Zero projects begin implementation, county officials will continue monitoring data to assess their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

This approach offers residents hope that their daily commutes, neighborhood streets and community roads will become significantly safer in the years ahead.

How You Can Stay Safe on Milwaukee Roads

Even on the most dangerous streets, you can significantly reduce your risk by following safety practices. Here are specific ways to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Maintain a safe following distance, especially on high-crash roads like 27th Street and Fond du Lac Avenue.
• Reduce your speed in poor weather conditions, common to Milwaukee’s climate.
• Avoid distracted driving by keeping your phone on silent mode while behind the wheel.
• Use extra caution at notorious intersections along Capitol Drive and North Avenue.
• Anticipate reckless drivers by checking intersections even when you have the right of way.
• Consider alternative routes that avoid the 25 identified high-risk corridors when possible.
• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same.

PKSD Stands With Milwaukee Crash Victims, Let Us Help You Recover

As fellow residents, we travel these same roads with our families every day. We understand the challenges our community faces and remain dedicated to both improving road safety and supporting accident victims when tragedy strikes.

At PKSD, we have dedicated our practice to securing favorable results for injured victims, including those harmed on hazardous Milwaukee roadways. Our experienced team has seen firsthand the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families. We are prepared to fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery and safety.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. Call: 414-333-3333 today.