Location
WIS 32, between County C and Forest Avenue in the town of Wabeno, Forest County
Overview
The pavement on WIS 32 is showing signs of deterioration. The pavement was originally constructed in 1970 and resurfaced previously with the last asphaltic resurfacing occurring in 2003.
Needs along this section of WIS 32 include:
- Deteriorating asphaltic pavement
- Deteriorating curb and gutter, storm sewer, and culverts
- Curb ramps do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
- Deteriorated concrete retaining wall near Jones Avenue
Proposed Improvements
- Full depth replacement of the asphaltic pavement
- Replacement of all curb and gutter
- Sidewalk improvements
- Upgrade all curb ramps to meet ADA standards, where feasible
- Add sidewalk between Fairview Avenue and Jones Avenue (north side)
- Replace sidewalk from River Street to County C (south side) including a short extension to County C
- Drainage repairs
- Storm sewer repairs and partial replacements throughout the project
- One culvert replacement near Forest Avenue
- Ditch cleaning near County C to improve drainage
- Replace the retaining wall near Jones Avenue
- The town of Wabeno has indicated that the parking is no longer used in certain locations. The roadway will be narrowed to a standard 36-foot width between the curbs at select locations to aid in reducing project costs and maintenance. Parking is proposed to remain at the following locations:
- Jones Avenue to Elm Avenue (south side)
- West of Forest Avenue to Fairview Avenue (both sides)
Real Estate
Minor fee and temporary (temporary limited easement) land acquisitions are required to accommodate curb ramp replacements, storm sewer repairs, and slope grading. Estimated right of way impacts are shown on the maps posted on the project website.
Real estate acquisition is expected to begin in the spring of 2022. Direct mailings and coordination will occur with impacted property owners.
Rights of Landowners Under Wis Eminent Domain Law [Wis Stats 32.05]
The School District of Wabeno owns a ball diamond near River Avenue and the town of Wabeno owns the logging museum and bandshell (outdoor theater) near Cecil Avenue. The Wisconsin DNR owns the Nicolet State Trail. All recreational facilities will be open during construction, but some temporary easements may be required in order to construct the sidewalk and drainage improvements.
Coordination is ongoing with the owners of these recreational lands and their temporary use is subject to agency review and approval of the environmental document. Please offer any specific comments you may have related to the potential use of recreational lands along with your other project comments.
Traffic Impacts
Motorists can expect single lane closures during construction. Narrow widths will be required during the work.
Access to adjacent properties will be maintained during construction. Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways. The contractor will be required to notify property owners prior to construction.
Public Involvement
Residents and businesses within the project limits have been contacted via mail. Review the following materials to learn more about this project:
Schedule
- Initial project notifications - February 2020
- Concept plans – Spring 2021
- Public involvement – Summer 2021
- Preliminary plans – Fall 2021
- Environmental document – Winter 2021
- Right of way plat – Winter 2022
- Real estate negotiations – Spring 2022 to Spring 2023
- Final plans – May 2023
- Construction currently scheduled – 2024