Interactive Web site aids travelers during interchange project

TRAVELERS PLANNING trips that include the Marquette Interchange, the major downtown Freeway interchange in Milwaukee, now have an interactive Web site available to help them navigate during the ongoing reconstruction.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has launched mchange.org as a key component of efforts to assist drivers during the four-year reconstruction project. Features available on the site include:

MAP-IT ROUTING - This interactive mapping tool allows drivers to map routes into and out of downtown Milwaukee by choosing either a downtown destination or entering a downtown address. The program provides the quickest route to their downtown destination from the freeways using alternate routes when needed during the project. The feature may be used to access directions now for any stage of the construction project.

TRAFFICBUG - The TrafficBug sends traffic alerts directly to a person’s computer. After downloading the TrafficBug from the Web site, travelers will receive traffic alerts for areas in the interchange that they specify. Those alerts will include travel performance advisories, closure advisories and travel advisories such as crashes, other incidents or general information related to travel along the selected route. Site visitors can also sign up to have specific travel advisories and other information mailed or emailed.

Other traffic information including current travel speeds, video stills from WisDOT freeway cameras and traffic incident information is on the site’s Traffic Information Map. Information and closures also are available by telephone: 262-548-5684 in the Milwaukee area or 888-468-0037 outside Milwaukee.

“Whether you’re coming from Fontana, Wisconsin, or Fairbanks, Alaska, travelers using the site will have access to the latest and most useful information available,” said Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation Frank Busalacchi. “We want everyone considering a trip to Milwaukee during this project to know they can change their approach without changing their destination.”