drone image of western milwaukee

Western Milwaukee Phase 2B

WESTERN MILWAUKEE PHASE 2B

Flood Risk Reduction Project

Project Update

Thank you to everyone that provided feedback about an improved trail at Doyne Park and a plaque for the Menomonee River floodwall. Survey respondents indicated they preferred:

  • Both a limestone resting area along the trail and a council ring at the end of the Doyne Park trail.
  • A floodwall plaque that says Menomonee River and shows the height of previous floodwaters.

Over the next few months, we will work with Milwaukee County Parks to try and add these elements to the design!

To hear a recording of our most recent virtual public meeting on August 12, 2020 -  click here and follow the prompts to view in your browser.

Project Overview

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is partnering with the City of Milwaukee and City of Wauwatosa to make flood risk reduction improvements along the Menomonee River in Western Milwaukee along West State Street between North 60 Street and USH 175.

This project is part of the larger Menomonee River Watercourse Management Plan which aims to reduce the risk of flooding for over 300 homes and businesses. To see the existing floodplain map visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.

The Western Milwaukee Phase 2B Project will:

  • Extend the earthen levee (a compacted soil embankment that holds back floodwaters during heavy rains) 1,900 feet, with a sloped soil embankment up to 8 feet high, to reduce flood risk from the Menomonee River flooding onto State Street during heavy rains from approximately 60th Street and West State Street east to US Highway 175. See bottom of page for example image.
  • Build a 1,200 foot long floodwall (a wall made of concrete that holds back floodwaters during heavy rains) training in a height of 5 to 10 feet on the landward side and up to 20 feet on the river side.
  • Install four new storm sewers totaling 5,100 feet.
  • 1,500 feet of excavation and bank restoration between the north and south banks of the river.
  • Turf and native plantings.

Project Area Photos

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    View of project area from North Hawley bridge looking west.

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    View of project area across the Menomonee River from Doyne Park looking east along the Canadian Pacific Railway.

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    The Western Milwaukee Phase 2B earthen levee will be similar to the earthen levee down river that was built as part of the Western Milwaukee Phase 1 project.

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    Graphic rendering of project area looking west towards the Hawley Road bridge.

Project Map

To recognize the levee system's flood risk reduction benefits there will be a levee system accreditation application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the entire Menomonee River levee system (shown in map below) and a remapping of the floodplain in the surrounding project area following completion of the project. The FEMA review is expected to take up to three years after construction completion. There are some structures that will remain in the mapped floodplain after the levee system is completed. These structures remaining in the floodplain will be evaluated for other flood risk reduction approaches such as voluntary floodproofing and voluntary acquisition. 

Western Milwaukee Overview

Click on areas of the map to see more details.

Project Benefits:

  • Help To Reduce Flood Risk
  • Increased Public Safety
  • Improved Riparian (area adjacent to the river) & Aquatic Habitat

Project Timeline:

2014 - 2017: Preliminary Design

2017 - 2021: Finalize Design

2021 - 2023: Construction

2023 - 2026: FEMA Review 

Project Status:

MMSD is completing the final design.

Stay Informed

  • Stay tuned to this website and MMSD social media avenues (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for upcoming activities.
  • Sign up for the Western Milwaukee Phase 2B Flood Risk Reduction Email Updates.

Partner List:

City Of Milwaukee
City Of Wauwatosa

Levee and Floodwall Rendering

rendering of western milwaukee phase 2b

Comments / Questions

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