Public Input Needed For Significant Upcoming Lake Drive Project

SHOREWOOD, WI — Lake Drive could see fewer trees and big changes to pedestrian, bike lane and parking facilities in 2026 with an upcoming reconstruction project, according to a press release from Village Manager Rebecca Ewald.

Because Lake Drive is a state highway, the Village will not be directly in charge of the plans or construction. The Village Board expressed a desire for increased pedestrian safety and ADA accessible parking near Atwater Park, but WisDOT will have the final say in the matter, according to the release.

Pending a final design, the project could widen the road, eliminate trees along the roadway, change bike lanes and alter parking along Lake Drive.

Members of the public can attend a WisDOT involvement session on Tuesday, May 25, to voice their opinions on the possible changes.

The Village undertook a resurfacing project in 2017 that reduced lanes, renewed pavement and brought more pedestrian crosswalks. However, the new State project- a full reconstruction of Lake Drive from Kensington Boulevard to Edgewood Avenue- is still on the way.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will plan and construct the project following State and Federal guidelines. WisDOT currently has preliminary plans and a feedback survey available for the public to look over.

WisDOT will hold virtual public involvement sessions from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, for members of the public to voice their opinion. The public can also submit a feedback survey before or after the involvement sessions.

Construction plans, the feedback survey and a link to the meeting on May 25 can be found online.