The improvements include removal of the existing roadway asphalt surface and concrete base and placement of new concrete on a crushed stone base.  Old trolley rails will be removed in the process.  Curb, gutter, sidewalk, and driveway approaches will be replaced.  New sewer structures and pavement marking will also be placed.  The roadway will be narrowed from 58 feet to 50 feet with the reduction of traffic lanes from four to two lanes and the addition of a striped bike lane and a new six and a half foot grass terrace in each direction.  New trees, light poles, and lighting will be included.  At abutting intersections, asphalt pavement will be milled and replaced.

The construction began on July 6th and is scheduled to be completed by November 15, 2010.  It will be done in two basic stages:

Stage 1: (July 6th through approximately September 6th)

Removal of the west two-thirds of the roadway.  One lane of northbound traffic remains on the east side of the roadway.  Southbound traffic is detoured to adjacent streets.

Stage 2: (September 6th through November 15th)

Removal of the east side of the roadway with two-way traffic restored on the west side of the roadway.

Additional work: (mid-October)

CP Rail will be conducting (no pun intended) railroad work, including rail, signal, and sign replacement for a two to three week period in October that will necessitate complete closure of 2nd Street from St. Paul to the river bridge.

The City of Milwaukee in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has begun construction on South 2nd Street, including the area directly in front of the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center.

Due to the scope of the construction, there will be no parking allowed on South 2nd Street from West National Avenue to the Menomonee River during construction.  Parking will be available on side streets.  Pierce, Bruce, Florida, and Oregon will be closed to traffic from 2nd Street as work is conducted on those intersections, but parking will be allowed east and west of the construction zone.  National, Virginia, Pittsburg, and Seebooth will be open for traffic and parking.

NEW! - Relief parking has been added to in the Milwaukee Fire Department lot north of 1st and Virginia.  The lot is now striped and signed and is available for public use from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM weeknights and weekends from 5:00 PM Friday night to 7:00 AM Sunday morning.

Milwaukee County Transit has two bus routes on South 2nd Street that will be moved onto South 1st Street for the duration of the project.  Signs are posted directing riders to the temporary stops.