WisDOT closes Milwaukee park and ride lots over safety concerns

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced the indefinite closure of two Milwaukee County park and ride lots and partial closure of another due to declining safety conditions.

The closures affect the lots at I-43/94 and Holt Avenue and I-43/94 at County ZZ (College Avenue). WisDOT says that they have worked with local partners to help more than 80 individuals find housing, but safety issues are still an issue.

WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen said in a Monday, Oct. 14 press release, "Park and ride lots are not safe or suitable places for anyone to live. We’ve worked closely with our partners to connect individuals with available resources and relocate them to safer situations."

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, law enforcement reportedly responded to 275 calls at these locations, a 42% increase over the same period in 2023. Incidents include assault, theft and reports of weapons.

Effective Monday, Oct. 21, the Holt Avenue lot will close. The College Avenue lots will close soon after. Milwaukee County Housing Services will continue assisting those impacted. Affected people who would like to seek help finding alternate living situations are advised to click here to contact Milwaukee County Housing Services.

Additional information about how the closures impact Milwaukee County transit can be found by clicking here.