McKinley Flushing Channel Reconstruction

Update as of April 15, 2025

The 2023 executive budget included funding for the entire flushing channel project. During budget deliberations, approximately ½ of the funding was removed to fund project WP070601-South Shore Breakwater for immediate repairs. The remaining funding was placed in a project contingency account with release required by a subsequent report to the board. File #23-110 was submitted to the board in January of 2023 and no action was taken.

Project Summary: Consultants completed an engineering study of the McKinley Flushing Channel, which is in a state of significant deterioration and in need of rehabilitation. The study provided development history, review of current conditions, results of various site investigations and recommendations for future rehabilitation of the channel walls. The flushing channel currently serves as a navigation way, provides dockage, and serves boating operations at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. Fishing also occurs, primarily at the headwall at the northern end of the channel.

Plans have been developed for reconstructing the channel walls, envisioned as primarily steel sheet pile with a concrete cap and railings. A portion of the historic channel walls will be reconstructed to tie into the headwall of the channel reconstructed by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD) in 1996. A new walkway is proposed along the west side of the channel to provide a connection from Lincoln Memorial Drive to the McKinley Marina walkway system.

The public was previously invited to submit comments on the project. See presentation and/or video for project details.

Timeline: Construction is proposed for Fall 2025.