Oak Creek Takes the Lead
While initial buzz focused on a potential site in DeForest (north of Madison), the Oak Creek project at Interstate 94 and Elm Road surged ahead to secure the title of “Wisconsin’s First.”
- The Site: The travel center will be located at the intersection of I-94 and Elm Road (Ryan Road exit at an interchange), positioning it to capture traffic between Chicago and Milwaukee.
- The Scale: True to form, the facility will be enormous—approximately 74,000 square feet with 120 fueling positions.
- Approval Status: The Oak Creek Plan Commission granted final approval for the site plan in late 2025, despite some local concerns regarding traffic and environmental impact. With zoning and permits in hand, heavy equipment is expected on-site within weeks.
What Happened to DeForest?
For months, it seemed DeForest was destined to host the State first location. However, that project encountered significant roadblocks due to infrastructure costs. The proposed site at Interstate 39/90/94 and County Highway V required nearly $15 million in interchange upgrades to handle the expected traffic…