US 45 project underway
Wisconsin DOT Project Manager Mark Steidl, and Project Leader Scott Hintz of Gremmer and Associates, went over the construction plan with residents and officials at City Hall last Thursday.
The existing four lane rural road will be reconstructed into a four lane urban type structure with curb, gutter, street lights, a raised median separating north and southbound traffic, and left turn lanes. The project also includes a multi-use recreational path on the East side of the road.
One lane of northbound traffic and southbound traffic will remain open during construction, with access to businesses in the area being maintained. Motorists can expect to encounter minor delays and flagging operations during the project.
"We realize construction can be an inconvenience and our goal is to keep those as minimal as possible," said Steidl. He gave an approximate schedule for the project which will be done in four phases.
"There could be some variables due to the weather and underground utility work," explained Steidl.
In the first phase of the project crews will widen the east side of the roadway, which will take approximately one week. "This is the shortest phase of the project, reported Scott Hintz. "Our goal is by Thursday night, to open both lanes back up for July Fourth traffic."
"The second phase of the project is the longest stage," said Hintz. Traffic will be switched to the east side while crews excavate and build new infrastructure on the west side. "This will take all of July and most of August," he said.
Phase three is also a major portion of the project. Traffic will be switched to the west side, during which time a new storm sewer and eastern portion of the road is built. This portion of the project is expected to be completed by early October.
The entire project involves sub grade improvements to the road. The top layer will be finished with asphalt.
"The goal of the project is to keep access available to businesses and homes," said Hintz. During some portions of the concrete work temporary driveways may need to be constructed.
In phase four of the project crews will construct the center of the road and tie together the new portions done to the east and west.
Mail delivery
Residents affected by the project have the option of having their mail held at the Post Office or they can use temporary mail boxes which will be installed by the mail carrier this week. "Property owners will be responsible for removing existing mail boxes from the right of way," reported Hintz.
Regular updates
Hintz and the contractor, Mussen Brother's Construction will hold weekly meetings to update the public on the progress of the project. Meetings will take place at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays in the field office located at Pleasant Hill Farms.
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