I wouldn't miss the drawbridges. I would miss I-794 through downtown.

I miss the Park East Freeway. But here's the thing: they installed a reasonable replacement to the Park East Freeway. It does provide effective access to that part of downtown. It is a rather neat little stretch to drive. And yes, I'm well aware of the political and literal devisive history of Milwaukee's freeway system.

I will miss that mile stretch of I-794 through downtown if they eliminate it. I have little to no confidence in WisDOT finding a replacement solution.

I read somewhere that someone said I-794 blocks the view of the lake. I wish I could remember the source. You know what else blocks that view? All the development along the lake. I work downtown in an office building which now has an obscured view.

I miss that lake view. That doesn't mean I'm opposed to the development. I love how Milwaukee's skyline has evolved over the years. I love how vibrant downtown and the Third Ward have become. I love the drive northbound I-794 to downtown. That drive is one of my favorites: the transition from vibrant residential areas to downtown skyscrapers with the lake at your side is breathtaking.

WisDOT is going to do whatever it wants regardless of public input. It will be interesting to see their solution to the drawbridges. Frankly I don't care what their studies say. it is one thing to study them and another to truly experience them.

What I do care about is having to gamble on the drawbridges. The nearest alternate route when using I-794 to bypass I-94, unless I'm mistaken, is this little underpass on Pittsburgh Ave between 1st and 2nd and then you have the train to contend with. Is that right?

Dealing with the drawbridges and the train in Milwaukee is like dealing with the trains growing up in Waukesha.

Do what you will with I-794. Be intelligent and reasonable about the drawbridges on Clybourn and St. Paul. I can easily envision a downtown where pedestrians can freely go from the west downtown area to the Third Ward and traffic can still reasonably bypass I-94. Replace those drawbridges. I wouldn't miss them.