Milwaukee Street Lighting Project Faces Delays Due to Theft

News Summary

The Milwaukee street lighting project in Rufus King and Arlington Heights is on hold for three weeks due to thefts of construction materials. Key elements such as plastic piping and copper wire have been targeted, causing the project timeline to stretch significantly beyond its original completion date. Local leaders express concern over the impact on residents, who are frustrated with traffic adjustments and limited parking. Despite the setbacks, city officials hope to resolve the issues soon and encourage community involvement in reporting suspicious activities to help deter future thefts.

Street Lighting Construction in Milwaukee Paused Due to Theft

An eight-month street lighting construction project in Milwaukee’s Rufus King and Arlington Heights neighborhoods is currently on hold due to thefts of materials from the site. The theft incidents involve essential items such as plastic piping and copper wire, which are crucial for the completion of the project. City Engineer Kevin Muhs has acknowledged that theft from construction sites is a recurring issue in the city.

Project Details and Timeline

This street lighting project encompasses the installation of new underground lighting wiring and the replacement of old poles. The construction spans from North 12th to 19th Streets along West Capitol Drive. Initially launched in October 2024, the project was expected to reach completion by the summer of 2025.

However, the construction has already caused significant disruptions in the area, with street parking limitations and alterations in traffic flow affecting local residents. Currently, the project is paused for three weeks to allow for the replacement of stolen materials, hindering any forward progress.

Community Concerns

Alderwoman Andrea Pratt has urged city officials for updates regarding the delays after receiving multiple complaints from constituents about the prolonged nature of the project. These delays are reportedly attributed to two primary issues: ongoing thefts and a lack of available staffing.

The Impact of Theft

Paul Keltner, a construction management engineer, has highlighted the measures being taken to mitigate the effect of theft on the project. The team has implemented theft deterrent boxes and provided training for staff on how to secure materials effectively when they are left unattended.

Recurring Issue of Copper Wire Theft

The theft of copper wire has become an ongoing concern within the city, affecting not only street lighting efforts but also other construction projects. This persistent issue has prompted city officials to take significant measures to safeguard material against theft.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs expressed that it is understandable for constituents to feel frustrated about the prolonged construction timeline. Residents have been encouraged to report any theft incidents they observe by calling 911 or reaching out to their district council member or site inspector.

Next Steps for Residents

As the city works to address these theft-related challenges, officials hope to restore normalcy in the affected neighborhoods, leading to the successful completion of the street lighting project in a timely manner. While the thefts have disrupted progress, the measures being taken to secure materials demonstrate a commitment to overcoming these hurdles for a smoother construction process.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• KSAL News
• DrydenWire
• Fox43 News
• Fox6Now
• Wikipedia: Construction Theft
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
• Google Search: Construction Thefts
• Google News: Milwaukee Construction Theft