MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will spend more than $20 million to overhaul one of Milwaukee’s busiest streets.

Monday Mayor Tom Barrett, along with DOT and Milwaukee Public Works leaders, announced plans to completely reconstruct National Avenue on the city’s south side. The state will contribute $23.3 million in connecting highway funds to renovate two and a half miles of National, between 1st and 39th streets.

The project will take years to plan, as the city consults with area businesses and community groups to determine specific needs along stretches of National. When construction finally begins in 2026, the city expects an economic boost for the many diverse restaurants and shops in the area.

“Transportation and economic development go hand in hand,” Barrett said. “With this quarter being home to so many businesses and community groups, this project will undoubtedly benefit them, as well.”

Barrett said a typical connecting highway grant from the state is around $6 million, so this $23.3 million figure for reconstructing National reflects the significance of the street to the city’s and region’s travelers.