Location
WIS 80, from Poplar Street through the WIS 73/County A intersection, Pittsville, Wood County
Overview
The purpose of the proposed action is to implement the most cost-effective solution to improve ride quality, reduce maintenance efforts, increase safety, improve roadway drainage and upgrade sidewalk ramps.
The existing pavement surface is deteriorating, including numerous cracks and surface distortion that is causing water to pond on the roadway surface. Sidewalk ramps do not meet current American Disability Act (ADA) standards. Safety issues have been identified at the WIS 73/WIS 80 intersection due to the alignment of existing left turn lanes as well as the overall intersection width.
Proposed Improvements
- Remove and replace the asphalt surface in the driving lanes from Poplar Street to WIS 73
- Restore deteriorated roadway drainage inlets
- Replace sidewalk ramps to meet ADA standards
- Replace two deficient culverts –one on WIS 80 and one on WIS 73
- Modify the WIS 73/WIS 80 intersection from a two-way stop to a roundabout:
- Single lane approaches are sized to accommodate large trucks. Approaches are curved and include curbs and gutters to slow approaching traffic. Streetlights are provided to improve visibility at night.
Real Estate
Additional right of way will be required for this project. Curb ramp construction will require both permanent and temporary limited easement (TLE) purchases. These purchases will allow sidewalk construction and the blending of slopes to match the adjacent ground. Preliminary right of way acquisition locations are shown on the November 2022 public involvement exhibits. Right of way acquisition required at the WIS 73/WIS 80 intersection will be determined as the design progresses. WisDOT will continue with real estate acquisition through 2024.
Rights of Landowners Under Wis Eminent Domain Law [Wis Stats 32.05]
Traffic Impacts
Roadway closures at the WIS 73/WIS 80 intersection will be necessary to complete the intersection modifications. Detour routes for state roadway closures have yet to be determined. WIS 80 will remain open to traffic while construction is occurring in the city of Pittsville. Motorists can expect single lane closures with the use of flaggers. Short duration temporary driveway closures may be necessary. WIS 80 will be closed to traffic for a short duration of time for culvert replacement 0.25 miles south of Poplar Street.
Public Involvement
February 2023 Update:
After considering public comments and other important factors, the department has determined that a roundabout is the best solution to meet overall needs of the public, including addressing safety needs identified at the WIS 73/WIS 80 intersection.
November 2022 Update 2:
A public involvement meeting was held on Nov. 30 at the Pittsville Community Hall. The following information was presented at the meeting:
Schedule
- Local officials meeting: Feb. 26, 2020
- Public involvement: Virtual meeting Oct. 22, 2020 to Nov. 20, 2020
- Local officials meeting: Oct. 11, 2021
- Public involvement: Virtual meeting November/December 2021
- Begin right of way acquisition: Spring 2022
- Public involvement meeting: Nov. 30, 2022
- Public involvement meeting: early 2024
- Final roadway plans:
- (WIS 80, Poplar Street to WIS 73) Fall 2024
- (WIS 73/WIS 80 Intersection) Summer 2025
- Construction currently scheduled:
- (WIS 80, Poplar Street to WIS 73) Summer of 2026, but could occur as early as 2025
- (WIS 73/WIS 80 Intersection) Summer 2026