MILWAUKEE REGION

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Connecting Your Business to Success

Milwaukee's strategic location and robust infrastructure network create unmatched advantages for local businesses. Our comprehensive transportation system powers economic growth, connects workers to jobs and helps businesses reach customers efficiently across the region and beyond.

Interstate & Highway Excellence

The Milwaukee region benefits from recently modernized highway infrastructure that keeps business moving smoothly. Over $2 billion in improvements over the past decade have transformed our transportation landscape:

Rebuilt Interchanges

The Marquette, Mitchell and Zoo interchanges now feature state-of-the-art design for improved traffic flow

Enhanced I-94 Corridor

Critical improvements to our Chicago-Madison connection have reduced congestion and travel times

New Economic Access Points

Strategic ramp additions have opened development corridors, attracting major businesses including IKEA, Amazon's distribution centers and the Microsoft campus

Reliable Utilities

Supporting Business Growth

Milwaukee businesses benefit from dependable utility infrastructure:

Abundant Water Resources
Direct access to Lake Michigan provides exceptional water reliability for manufacturing, food processing and other water-intensive industries

Energy Reliability
We Energies and other providers deliver consistent power with growing renewable options

Advanced Broadband
High-speed internet infrastructure supports technology growth, remote work capabilities and innovation hubs

Comprehensive Transit Options

Our interconnected public transportation network ensures workforce mobility across the region:

Milwaukee County Transit System

54 routes serving over 39 million passengers annually, connecting all major business districts and employment centers

The Hop

Modern streetcar system providing accessible downtown transportation

Regional Commuter Options

Ozaukee County Express, Washington County Commuter Express and Waukesha Metro Transit extend connectivity to surrounding areas

Port Milwaukee:

Your Gateway to Global Markets

Port Milwaukee provides local businesses with direct access to international shipping opportunities:

• Impressive Capacity: Handles over 2 million metric tons of cargo annually
• Multi-Modal Connections: Direct vessel-to-rail, truck or barge transfers with lifting capacity exceeding 300 tons
• Global Access: Direct shipping routes to international ports via the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system
• Foreign Trade Zone No. 41: Reduces tariff burdens on imports and exports, enhancing competitiveness for local companies in the global marketplace

Rail Transportation

Milwaukee offers excellent freight and passenger rail connections:

Major Freight Carriers: Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific and other carriers provide vital shipping routes for manufacturing and distribution

Amtrak Service: Seven daily round trips between Milwaukee and Chicago via the convenient downtown Intermodal Station and Airport Railroad Station

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Located just eight miles from downtown, Mitchell International Airport connects Milwaukee businesses to domestic and international opportunities:

• Convenient Connections: Eight airlines offering approximately 132 daily departures
• Extensive Reach: Nonstop service to 39+ destinations with single-connection access to hundreds more
• Freight Capacity: Handled 147+ million pounds of freight (based on most recent complete data)
• Business Travel Hub: Serving 6.5+ million passengers annually

Looking Forward:

Infrastructure Investment

The MMAC continues advocating for infrastructure improvements that benefit the business community:

• I-94 West Corridor: Supporting renovation and expansion west of downtown Milwaukee to eliminate one of the last remaining chokepoints in our freeway system
• Intermodal Facilities: Developing logistics centers that streamline goods transfer between rail, truck, and air transport
• Connectivity Enhancements: Ongoing bridge repairs and transit upgrades to strengthen regional mobility

WE ARE HERE. READY TO HELP.

Want to learn how Milwaukee's transportation advantages can benefit your business growth and success?
Our team can connect you with resources, incentives and strategic partnerships to maximize your infrastructure opportunities.

Rebecca Gries

Executive Director, Milwaukee 7
EMAIL
O: 414.287.4140   
C: 262/510-9938

Katie Mendenhall

Director of Corporate Expansion & Attraction, Milwaukee 7
EMAIL
O: 414/287-4143   
C: 703/297-7098

Jane Mullarkey

Manager of Corporate Attraction & Expansion, Milwaukee 7
EMAIL
414/287-4171

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