(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — City officials are moving forward with a full closure of a key Sheridan Road intersection next month as part of ongoing streetcar infrastructure work, and they are inviting residents to weigh in before construction begins.
The City of Kenosha plans to shut down Sheridan Road at 56th Street beginning June 12 to replace embedded streetcar tracks at the intersection. Barricades are expected to be delivered the day before, June 11, marking the start of the project setup.
The closure will halt all through traffic at the intersection for approximately 11 working days, not including weekends, as crews remove and replace the track and allow time for concrete to properly cure. The project requires a complete shutdown of the intersection rather than partial lane closures.
City staff, along with engineers and contractors involved in the project, are expected to outline the construction plan and answer questions during a public informational meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the Kenosha Transit facility, 4303 39th Ave.
Representatives from Terra Tec Engineering and Volkmann Railroad Builders will be present to discuss the scope of the work and expected impacts. Detour routes will also be presented, with maps showing traffic being rerouted around the construction zone.
A map included in project materials shows northbound and southbound traffic being diverted several blocks west and south of the closure area, guiding drivers around the intersection while maintaining access to surrounding streets.
Residents who cannot attend the meeting in person will have the option to participate virtually through an online meeting link or by phone.
City officials say the project is necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the streetcar system, which operates along Sheridan Road through downtown Kenosha.
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9 Responses
Closing Sheridan and 56th for two weeks to fix a trolley crossing is wild. That’s one of the busiest intersections in the area, and we’re shutting it down for a system that runs a tiny loop downtown and is empty most of the time. Outside of big events like the 4th of July or the Christmas tree lighting, nobody is riding this thing. It’s not real transportation, it’s a novelty at best.
If the city wants to keep it, fine. But run it seasonally or for events. Don’t keep dumping money into year-round maintenance and infrastructure while disrupting major traffic corridors to fix it.
At some point, we have to ask whether the cost and inconvenience actually match the benefit. Right now, it clearly doesn’t.
Thats how they rob us…
Minutes
Transit Commission Meeting
625 52nd Street, Rm. 202
Monday – September 15, 2025
Vote on Award of Contract for Project 04-25, 56th Street and Sheridan Road Streetcar Track
Replacement By and Between the City of Kenosha, WI and Volkmann Railroad Builder’s Inc.
(Menomonee Falls, WI). (also referred to Finance and Common Council)
Mr. Ogbuagu spoke and answered questions. Mr. Morrissey spoke and answered questions.
Motion by Vice Chairperson Hutchings, seconded by Comm. Serpe to approve item #2. Motion
passed (Ayes 5, Noes 1) with Comm. Schmidt voting no.
Milwaukee has its “Bridge to Nowhere” and Kenosha our “trolley to nowhere.”
Seriously, I have no problem with the trolley as a tourist attraction. But closing a street for two weeks, no way.
Yes fix it, I don’t care what you other people think about it, has to be done, get over it
You can pay for it outa your own pocket then Mr. Anderson.
Bet it takes more then two weeks for a 50ft section of rail
Remember when this was passed . It was free money that if Kenosha didn’t take it someone else would. Here is the reality maintenance. What a waste.
The trolley is always empty. What a fucking waste of money.
I bet Mayor McCheese wants the road fixed.