Oakland Ave Construction Update: End Date, Detours and Improvements

Image via OaklandAveReconstruct.com

There’s some good news for anyone who lives, shops, eats or regularly drives along Oakland Avenue: Shorewood’s massive Oakland Avenue reconstruction project is moving into its final months.

The Village of Shorewood is rebuilding N. Oakland Avenue between E. Capitol Drive and E. Glendale Avenue, a major project that began in February 2026 and includes much more than simply putting down new pavement.

And there was a significant milestone this past week: southbound Oakland Avenue reopened on Thursday, Sept. 24. Milwaukee County Transit’s GreenLine also resumed its normal southbound route.

Here’s where the project stands, what’s happening next and what families visiting Shorewood should know.

When Will Construction Be Finished?

The project began Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, and is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Earlier planning documents projected substantial completion by Nov. 1 and final completion by Dec. 1. However, the Village’s construction contract establishes later deadlines: substantial completion by Nov. 25, 2026, with all work and final restoration completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

So while drivers should see major improvements this fall, some finishing work could continue through December.

For the most current information, bookmark the official Oakland Avenue Reconstruction website. The site includes weekly construction forecasts, traffic impacts, closures and a map showing available parking.

You can also follow updates through the Village of Shorewood website.

What’s Happening Next

According to the project update posted Sept. 25, paving continues on the west side of Oakland Avenue, including the parking lane, intersections and driveways.

One important change: Elmdale Court west of Oakland Avenue is scheduled to reopen Monday, Sept. 28.

Crews will also perform concrete saw cutting following daily paving operations. That work is time-sensitive and could happen during evening or overnight hours, so nearby residents may hear additional construction noise.

During paving, one Oakland Avenue entrance to the Metro Market parking structure will remain accessible.

Pedestrian crossings are being maintained at:

• Capitol Drive

• Kenmore Place

• Jarvis Street

• Lake Bluff Boulevard

• Kensington Boulevard

• Glendale Avenue

Drivers should continue to expect changing traffic patterns, construction equipment and workers throughout the corridor. All schedules remain weather dependent.

Some Side-Street Closures Are Continuing

Several longer-term closures remain in place while the west side of Oakland is reconstructed.

Access between Oakland Avenue and Wood Place, Olive Street, Marion Street and Kensington Boulevard on the west side of Oakland remains closed until mid-fall.

Glendale Avenue west of Oakland is also expected to remain closed until paving operations are completed.

If you’re heading to an Oakland Avenue business, it’s worth checking the project’s parking and closure map before leaving home.

What Is Shorewood Doing to Oakland Avenue?

This is much more extensive than a resurfacing project. Oakland Avenue is one of Shorewood’s most important commercial and transportation corridors, and the reconstruction involves the street itself along with utilities and other infrastructure beneath and around it.

The Village awarded the construction contract to Zignego Company in December 2025 for approximately $5.05 million.

The project includes roadway reconstruction, utility work, hardscape restoration, traffic-signal improvements and pavement markings.

For Shorewood, that means months of disruption in exchange for rebuilding a major corridor rather than simply patching an aging street.

Keep Supporting Oakland Avenue Businesses

One of the biggest challenges during a project this large is keeping the businesses along the construction zone accessible.

The Oakland Avenue project website specifically encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting businesses along the corridor during construction.

Fortunately, Oakland Avenue packs a remarkable number of restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and other businesses into a relatively short stretch.

If construction has kept you away, this might actually be a good excuse to explore.

Our Best Restaurants in Shorewood guide includes plenty of local favorites, while our Shorewood Outdoor Dining Guide highlights spots including Brat House Shorewood, Stone Creek Coffee, Fiddleheads Coffee, North Shore Boulangerie, Draft & Vessel, Cloud Red and Colectivo.

Many are located directly on Oakland Avenue — which makes supporting them during construction especially meaningful.

Make a Shorewood Day Out of It

If you’re already coming to Shorewood, there are plenty of ways to combine an Oakland Avenue stop with a family adventure.

Shorewood Farmers Market

The Shorewood Farmers Market continues Sundays through Oct. 25 at the south end of Estabrook Park.

The market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features local produce, prepared food, baked goods, artisan products and plenty of options for breakfast or lunch.

📍 Estabrook Park
4100 Estabrook Parkway

Explore Estabrook Park

While you’re there, explore more of the park with our complete Estabrook Park guide.

Families can explore trails, visit the dog park, stop at the beer garden or connect to the Oak Leaf Trail.

Bike or Walk the Oak Leaf Trail

Another way to avoid Oakland Avenue traffic altogether is to arrive by bike.

Our Ultimate Oak Leaf Trail Guide includes Shorewood stops and connections, including access near Olive Street, Congress Avenue and Kensington Boulevard.

Head to Atwater Beach

Construction or not, one of Shorewood’s best family destinations remains just a few blocks east.

Head to Atwater Park for the playground, Lake Michigan views and beach access — or turn the visit into a little local history lesson with our guide to the Appomattox shipwreck at Atwater Beach.

What to Know Before Visiting

The biggest thing to remember is that conditions can change quickly as crews move from one portion of the project to another.

Before heading to Oakland Avenue, check the latest Oakland Avenue construction update for current closures and parking information.

Allow a little extra time, watch carefully for construction workers and equipment, and use established pedestrian crossings.

And perhaps most importantly: don’t let the construction keep you from visiting your favorite Shorewood businesses.

The cones are temporary. The restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and neighborhood businesses along Oakland Avenue still need customers while the street around them is being rebuilt.

With southbound Oakland now reopened and paving progressing on the west side, the finish line is finally coming into view.

We’ll continue updating this guide as Shorewood moves toward completion of the project.