Is The SE Wisconsin Free(sic)way Plan On Budget?

The reconstruction and widening of SE Wisconsin's freeways (which are not free) was estimated in 2003 at $6.4 billion, but I think it could end up being more expensive.

Why?

$810 million went into the Marquette Interchange component, $1.9 billion is ticketed for the North/South leg of I-94 to the Illinois state line now undeway, and the Zoo Interchange estimate has ballooned to $2.3 billion.

That's $5 billion right there. Out of $6.4 billion.

Do we think the remaining major segments, with their new lanes and property acquisition and rising fuel, materials and labor costs, can be done across Waukesha County on I-94 to the Jefferson County line, I-43 north through Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties, plus I-43 south across Walworth County - - and the Big Daddy Of Them All - - the controversial rebuilding and widening on I-94 past Story Hill and Miller Park, perhaps double-decked - - can all be done for the remaining $1.4 billion?

Take a look at the map of the freeway system at this official site and ask yourself if all the portions left - - large and small - - look doable to you for about 20% of the pot?

Might the Legislative Fiscal Bureau - - not WisDOT, please - - offer some projections, as this construction has around 20 years to go?