Oak Leaf Trail Modernization

Hey, that's great.
While you're at it, why don't you dredge out the creek and lagoon over in Grant Park.
It's been at least 20 years since it's been done, when that really needs to happen every 5 years or so.
It has become an absolute eyesore.

Very excited to see that the South Shore Line in Warnimont Park is included in this project. We bicycle often on all parts of the Oak Leaf trail, but the most scenic section is along the lake shore from Grant Park to South Shore Park and the worst section is in Warnimont. Maintaining the trails and keeping them usable and safe is a high priority. So hopeful that this continues to move forward.

From McCarty Park, the current route north of Arthur Ave; to north of I-94; to S Honey Creek Parkway is absolutely dangerous and not, family friendly. Using S 84th Street or S 76th Street, especially between Lincoln Ave and Greenfield Ave; is not safe for any bicycle or trike rider. I proposed to Jacob Sanchez to use S 82nd Street to W Orchard Street. East on Orchard Street (traffic light at 76th Street) to S 73rd Street. North on S 73rd Street to north of W Walker Street, to the end. West on the alley through Kopperud Park, to S 76th Street. North on S 76th Street to W Dixon Street. West on Dixon Street following the Milwaukee bike trail signs, to S Honey Creek Pkwy. (If you don’t want to use the alley through Kopperud Park, then sign the route east; on W Walker Street to S 72nd Street and north, on S 72nd Street to the HAST. Then west on the Hank to S 76th Street). Hopefully the planners have already suggested this. Using 76th Street or 84th Street, is wrong. Who can I forward this to?

Glad to see the section in the Root River Line from Morgan to Layton is under review.
Besides the pavement having such heaves and buckles that it's difficult to ride, it also has a grade problem - it's fairly low-lying, such that after moderate rain, or snow melt, it's under water. And the part that goes under Layton is almost always wet, regardless of whether it's rained recently or not, such that I never use it, and always opt to cross over Layton Ave.

I have been a Waukesha County resident for the past 25 years, but am very familiar with the Oak Leaf Trail. My dad (Don Karolek) was instrumental in getting the Root River Line (runs from Morgan to Layton in the city of Greenfield, WI) built after I was hit by a car while riding my bike in 1974. If you pay property taxes in Milwaukee County, please learn about this project and lend it your support!

These updates sound excellent, thank you. Please also consider for future improvements a joint project with DPW to create protected lanes or a divided trail on Bradley Road and Drexel Avenue, or investigate other connector options. Crushed limestone gravel trails where possible would be a great addition to the network.

Could the ramp from the south end of Juneau Park to the OLT be addressed please? The pavement is in such bad shape that its very dangerous for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Thanks for taking care of the Oak Leaf, it is such an asset to the community. Would like to see all the segments connected

What's happening with the ramp at Riverside Hight School? I see they are adding a ramp on Kenwood Ave but are they removing the ramp at Riverside HS as part of this?

Is there any plan to repair or replace the section of the OLT from Chicago Avenue in South Milwaukee that enters the park? The road there has a blind turn which makes it not feel safe for pedestrians and cyclists from just West of the Lagoon to Chicago Avenue. The part of the OLT that is present is incredibly narrow, over grown, and in disrepair.

I am happy to see the trail get updated. The section between Morgan and Howard on the Root River section has been unusable for 2 years. Folks have been walking and biking on 116th (Root River Parkway) between Morgan and Howard and that road is very, very, narrow, and has no shoulder so it is quite dangerous.

I'm really happing that the OLT is getting its much needed updates.

Though I'll admit, there is part of me that will miss the old Milwaukee River Line - Lincoln & Meaux Park section as it's brutal roughness gave me some gravel-like/"off-roading" fun in the city. Ha Ha.

It is due to be fixed :)

I love the fact that you are putting resources into community spaces like the Oak Leaf Trail system. With an extensive walking, biking, and outdoor space for residents, it will elevate Milwaukee’s appeal as a city that is devoted to providing green space for residents. The more green space we set aside and preserve the more attractive the city becomes as a place to live. It also builds community. I would like to see Milwaukee in the top five cities in America that have great parks, trails, biking options, and leisure spaces. Great job!

Bob Ryshke
Wauwatosa

I couldn’t support this project more! The oak leaf trail is a vital tool for our entire metro area for recreation and transportation. Every dollar spent on the OLT is a TON of dollars saved on other less efficient modes of transport.

They really should install Bublr Bike stations all along the Oak Leaf Trail.

I am a great fan of the Oak Leaf trail. I have ridden many segments. I have connected from South Milwaukee to Waukesha, to Sheboygan, to Dane County, to Burlington, and to Kenosha using Oak Leaf and adjoining trails whenever possible. The Oak Leaf trails keep getting better and better. Thanks! Suggested improvements -- mark names of cross street when Oak Leaf trail intersects.