MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Feb. 17 to celebrate the completion of a new highway maintenance facility aimed at improving operations in the northern part of the county.

County Executive David Crowley, Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr. and Milwaukee County Department of Transportation Director Donna Brown-Martin highlighted the facility’s role in enhancing roadway maintenance.

The 50,578-square-foot building replaces a century-old facility and includes modernized mechanical systems, a vehicle wash bay, additional mechanic maintenance areas and expanded garage and storage space. The facility also houses one of the largest salt brine production operations in the area, reducing winter road maintenance costs.

As part of the project, new parking and upgraded lighting were installed for Havenwoods State Forest and Schoenecker Park.

Crowley said, "Improving the efficiency of highway maintenance operations throughout the northern region of Milwaukee County will significantly enhance the safety of our transportation system and the quality of our roadways."