Mitchell A. Skurzewski
Reporter
Back in 2015 it seemed like a roundabout at the intersections of CTH W State and Road 17 , at State Road 64 was inevitable.
But that’s not happening.
During a public presentation in October of 2015, representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDoT) stated the pavement is starting to deteriorate on that stretch of Hwy. 64 and the northbound Hwy. 51 overpass would soon require repairs or replacement. The intersections were being looked at to create better traffic flow in that area.
”Since the public meeting in October 2015, the department of transportation completed some additional analysis of the pavement structure within the interchange,” explained Tegan Griffith, WisDoT North Central Region Communication Manager.
”To maximize the life of the investment in the pavement at this location, the department determined that we can cost effectively maintain the pavement through joint repairs, grinding, and other preventative maintenance efforts. The alternatives were based on factors including safety, cost, overall corridor operations, public input, and natural and social impacts.”
WisDoT was considering either leaving the intersection as a two-way stop, making it a four-way stop or constructing a roundabout. Ultimately cost-effective repairs and maintenance efforts won out and the intersection will remain a two-way stop for the foreseeable future.
“Roundabouts are generally considered safer for intersections because they can help decrease the severity of the crash types experienced in an intersection. Safety is our primary concern when constructing a new intersection which can also improve (flow),” according to an email from the DoT, last week.
“At this location, flow was not a driving factor to allocate construction dollars. With our last (State Highway) 64 pavement project, we were able to move the eastbound transition to two lanes further to the north (away from County W) and provide a greater offset for the turn lane. This helped to reduce driver confusion, and also provides for improved sight lines for vehicles on County W, trying to cross or enter (State Highway) 64. We also adjusted the stop bar location on County W to improve vision when entering the intersection. Both of those improvements addressed the majority of the crash patterns experienced at this intersection. WisDOT will continue to monitor safety of the intersection and program a project that is specific to the crash patterns experienced when warranted.”