More widespread traffic issues likely to be created by the new Merrill Walmart and any additional development in that area is the focus of a study currently underway by North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC).
The city of Merrill Plan Commission heard an introductory report from NCWRPC senior planner Darryl Landeau last week. Landeau said NCWRPC has taken on the Hwy. 64/Pine Ridge Road Long Term Safety and Operations Study at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The study will determine appropriate future improvements to Hwy. 64 and the local street network.
“This is one of the city’s principle growth areas,” Landeau said. “The DOT is concerned that development could lead to congestion in the future.”
The study assumes the already-planned reconstruction of the Hwy. 64/Pine Ridge intersection, which will be designed to handle projected traffic for at least the next 15 years.
“WisDOT wants us to look at other issues for the future,” Landeau said. “We need to plan for access and different ways to get downtown or to Hwy. 51, relieving some of that pressure on Hwy. 64.”
Topics to be addressed in the study include projected development, projected traffic impact, short- and long-term alternatives, environmental issues and public involvement. The study will result in recommendation for specific road and street improvements, Landeau noted.
Specific projects of particular interest to the city include the extension of 6th Street to the east and the extension of Pine Ridge Avenue to meet Cty. G to the north, noted City Administrator Dave Johnson. Commission member Ken Maule added that the study should also consider the intersection of Hwy. 64 and Big Eddy Road.
Issues already identified include the need to plan for access, alternative traffic routes to downtown and Hwy. 51, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Moving forward, the study will be presented for public input in September, Landeau stated.