The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements at the intersection of WIS 47 and County Road S in the town of Center in Outagamie County. This website details proposed improvements, describes the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offers an opportunity for public comment.
Location
WIS 47 and County Road S intersection is located between Appleton and Black Creek in the town of Center, Outagamie County.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the proposed action is to improve the safety at the intersection of WIS 47 and County Road S while providing acceptable traffic operations.
The need for the proposed improvement is to reduce the number and severity of crashes at the intersection, particularly right-angle type crashes, and to improve the traffic operations of the intersection. The intersection of WIS 47 and County Road S had 16 crashes from 2017 to 2021, 11 of which caused injuries. Of the sixteen crashes, twelve were right angle crashes.
Improvement alternatives
The following is a summary of improvement alternatives being considered and their anticipated benefits:
All-Way Stop Control
This alternative consists of reconstructing the WIS 47 and County Road S intersection with an improved intersection skew. All approaches to the intersection would have a shared left/through lane and a designated right turn lane. Stop signs would be added to the WIS 47 approaches to create an all-way stop control intersection. With the proposed improvements to the intersection geometry and all-way stop control the severity of crashes at the intersection would be expected to decrease. However, this alternative is expected to result in higher levels of traffic delays on WIS 47.
Roundabout
This alternative includes reconstructing the WIS 47 and County Road S intersection as a single lane roundabout. The roundabout would decrease speeds through the intersection and eliminate right angle crashes within the intersection, which is predicted to reduce the number of severe crashes at the intersection. A roundabout intersection would have significantly less traffic delay when compared to the all-way stop alternative.
Proposed improvements
This is a reconstruction-level project. Proposed improvements for both alternatives include:
- Improved safety at the intersection
- New pavement structure
- New pavement marking and signing
- New culvert and/or storm sewer installation
- Intersection lighting
Traffic impacts
The WIS 47 and County Road S intersection will be closed during construction and detour routes would be posted. Local access to property owners and businesses within project limits will be maintained throughout the project.
Schedule
- Virtual Public Involvement meeting: May 24, 2023
- Finalize alternative selection in July 2023
- Environmental Document Approval: December 2023
- Real estate acquisition is anticipated to begin in Spring 2024
- Design is on-going and will continue through fall of 2026
- Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2027
Real estate
Right-of-way acquisition in the form of Temporary Limited Easement (TLE) and permanent acquisition (FEE) for will be required to accommodate reconstruction of the intersection. A member of the real estate team will contact affected property owners at the start of the acquisition process.
Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business, organizations and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
Please visit the
WisDOT’s In This Together website to learn more.
Public input/comments
Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date of June 9, 2023 to be consider during design.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the
WIS 47/County S public handout and mail to WisDOT.
- Includes a prepaid mailer
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Jesse Hansen, P.E.. Project Manager
WisDOT – Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 492-5630
Email: jesse.hansen@dot.wi.gov