A recent statewide crash analysis by the San Diego–based firm 1POINT21 Interactive—commissioned by Milwaukee law firm Mingo & Yankala—has spotlighted Wisconsin’s deadliest five‑mile stretches of road between 2000 and 2019. The most alarming finding? Interstate 94 is consistently ranked near the top in both total deaths and annual fatality rates, positioning it as the most dangerous highway in the state.
Top Nine Most Dangerous Road Stretches in Wisconsin
The study identified nine “deadliest corridors” statewide, using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data over a 20‑year period. These are the heavy hitters:
| Rank | Location | Corridor | Fatal Crashes | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee | SR‑190 (SR‑100 → W Hopkins) | 19 | 23 |
| 2 | Milwaukee | SR‑59 (S 1st St → S 76th St) | 17 | 18 |
| 3 | Madison | US‑51 (Anderson Rd → SR‑30) | 17 | 17 |
| 4 | Janesville | I‑90 (Exit 171B → 177) | 16 | 19 |
| 5 | Milwaukee | I‑94 (Exits 305A → 310B) | 16 | 16 |
| 6 | Milwaukee | SR‑57 (W Pierce St → W Capitol Dr) | 15 | 17 |
| 7 | Green Bay | I‑41 (155 → 161) | 13 | 14 |
| 8 | Kenosha | SR‑31 (SR‑50 → 18th St) | 12 | 12 |
| 9 | Milwaukee | SR‑175 (W Center St → W Bobolink Ave) | 7 | 7 |
Five of these deadly corridors are in Milwaukee, underscoring its prevalence in statewide road fatalities.
Why I‑94 Earns the Title of “Most Dangerous”
High Fatality Rates on Interstate 94
An independent report from iHeartRadio confirms I‑94’s notoriety, indicating an average of 13 fatalities per year, with 132 total deaths across a decade—undeniably the highest in Wisconsin.
Converging High-Traffic Zones
This dangerous stretch of I‑94 is part of a complex network of interchanges, carrying heavy commuter and freight traffic. These high-volume entry/exit points increase vehicle interactions and conflict points, raising the risk for severe crashes.
Compounding Weather Conditions
Wisconsin’s notorious snow, ice, and rain only worsen the situation. Winter conditions make high-speed travel on I‑94 even more treacherous. The state ranks I‑94 among the most feared winter roads, both locally and nationally.
The Milwaukee Density Factor
Urban corridors in Milwaukee dominate the list for a reason. Of the 143 total deaths across the nine deadly corridors statewide between 2000–2019, 81 occurred on Milwaukee roads—that’s a staggering 56.6%.
Professor Robert Schneider, an urban planning expert at UW–Milwaukee, notes that state-maintained corridors—rather than local roads—are more deadly, due in part to high traffic volumes. He also stresses that improvements on these corridors require state DOT approval, meaning city-level interventions are often delayed.
Underlying Causes of Danger on Wisconsin Roads
The study and follow-up reports identify several contributing factors:
1. Design & Infrastructure Issues
High-speed interchanges with multiple ramps increase collision risk. The popular Zoo Interchange on I‑94/I‑43 – I‑894, for example, has a history of poor design and has undergone major reconstruction largely due to safety concerns .
2. Poor Road Conditions
WisDOT’s own reports show a rise in state-owned highways rated “poor or worse” (from 7% to over 17%), indicating that deteriorating pavement may compromise safety.
3. Winter Driving Hazards
Surveys by Fox and others placed I‑94 among the state’s most feared winter roadways due to persistent ice and snow.
4. Wrong-Way Collisions & Drunk Driving
Wisconsin has the nation’s highest rate of fatal wrong-way crashes, often linked to intoxication. Experts call for improved signage, staggered ramp placements, ignition interlocks, and stiffer DUI penalties.
What’s Being Done—and What Could Help
Ongoing Infrastructure Improvements
WisDOT has initiated major highway redesigns (e.g., interstate widening, ramp reconfiguration), and in 2014–18, rebuilt the Zoo Interchange to ease traffic flow and accident risks.
Safety Signage & Pavement Overhaul
Studies show improved signage—especially illuminated “Wrong Way” signs—can drastically reduce head-on collisions. The state has rolled out orange pavement lines at construction zones to increase visibility.
Policy & Enforcement Adaptations
Editorials and safety advocates urge legislation mandating ignition locks, stiffer DUI penalties, and sobriety checkpoints—all measures proven effective in other jurisdictions.
State–Local Collaboration
Mingo & Yankala encourage local officials, especially Milwaukee’s mayor, to collaborate with WisDOT on urgent corridor redesign and enforcement strategies.
Final Word
I‑94’s status as Wisconsin’s most dangerous highway isn’t due to a single flaw—it’s a convergence of factors: heavy traffic, flawed design, punishing weather, and lapses in both infrastructure and enforcement. The publicly reported statistic of approximately 13 deaths per year between 2010 and 2020 underscores the urgency.