WisDOT Shuts Down Park-and-Ride Lots Amid Rising Security Issues

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) — A way for commuters to cut down on costs is being canceled for now. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced a closure of two park-and-ride lots, and a partial closure of another in Milwaukee County. They say it’s due to escalating safety concerns.

Starting October 21, the Holt Avenue lot will close, followed by the northeast College Avenue lot and portions of the southwest College Avenue lot. A small area of the southwest College Avenue lot will remain open for transit riders.

The closures come after a year-long effort by WisDOT and partners to find housing solutions for people living in vehicles and encampments at those locations. Despite successfully relocating over 80 people, the influx of new campers has continued.

Law enforcement reports a 42% increase in service calls between July and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Incidents include assaults, thefts, and weapons-related issues.

WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen said, “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.”

Concrete barriers and fencing will be installed around the closed lots. WisDOT is evaluating measures to keep other park-and-ride locations open and plans to reconfigure and increase monitoring at these sites.

A statement says the Milwaukee County Transit System will assist people that normally use the lots for bussing, and county housing services will continue to work with people to find safer living arrangements.

Other Park-and-Ride lots are still open:

Brown Deer (I-43/WIS 100/WIS 32)
Glendale (I-43/Silver Spring Dr.)
Hales Corners (I-43/I-894/WIS 100)
Milwaukee (I-43/I-894/WIS 36)
Milwaukee (US 41/Silver Spring Dr.)
Milwaukee (US 45/US 41/WIS 100/Good Hope Rd.)
Oak Creek (I-43/I-94/WIS 100)
Wauwatosa (US 45/Watertown Plank Rd.)
West Allis, State Fair Grounds (I-94/76th St.)