MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced the indefinite closure of two park and ride lots and a partial closure of a third due to increasing safety concerns. WisDOT cited a growing number of people living in their vehicles and in encampments at the park and ride lots located at I-43/94 at County ZZ (College Avenue). Milwaukee County Housing Services has found safer housing for more than 80 individuals to date. However, more individuals continue to enter the lots, leading to a deteriorating and increasingly unsafe environment. Bomb threat prompts evacuation of two schools in Wisconsin, investigation begins First responders, including law enforcement, fire service personnel, and paramedics, have responded to a rising number of emergency calls related to unsafe activities in and around the lots. Between July 1 and September 30, 2024, law enforcement in Milwaukee city and county responded to a combined 275 calls for service, a nearly 42% increase from the same period in 2023. Reports of assault, theft, and weapons possession have surged, alongside incidents of robbery, shots fired, and drug overdoses. Given these conditions, WisDOT has made the difficult decision to close the Holt Avenue lot, the northeast College Avenue lot, and portions of the southwest College Avenue lot. “Public safety is first and foremost,” said WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen. “Park and ride lots are not safe or suitable places for anyone to live. We’ve worked closely with our partners to connect individuals with available resources and relocate them to safer situations.” Effective Monday, October 21, WisDOT will close the Holt Avenue lot, with the northeast College Avenue lot and portions of the southwest College Avenue lot closing soon after. A small area of the southwest College Avenue lot will remain open for transit riders. Concrete barriers and fencing will be placed around the lots, allowing individuals to exit but not re-enter. WisDOT is evaluating actions to keep other park and ride locations open for their intended use, with plans for reconfiguration and increased monitoring underway. “We are concerned for the safety of those choosing to live in these lots, as well as for the safety of the surrounding community,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. 60-year-old man arrested after allegedly pointing gun at two people in Wisconsin Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball added, “As one of the partners in this effort, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office shares WisDOT’s concerns regarding the safety of those who are unhoused and have resided in park and ride lots. It is our desire that they utilize the services and resources being offered by the Department of Health and Human Services.” WisDOT continues to work with the Milwaukee County Transit System to assist transit users who park in the Holt Avenue lot and ride buses to their destinations.