Plans & Projects > Find by location > SW Region > US 51 (Reardon Rd.-County V (Grinde Rd.)) >

US 51 (Reardon Rd.-County V (Grinde Rd.)) - Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will access to US 51 change?

Yes. The proposed US 51 will be designated as freeway. A “freeway” is defined in Wisconsin State Statutes Section 990.01(9a) as “…a highway with full control of access and with all crossroads separated in grade from the pavements for through traffic.” The classification of US 51 as a freeway does not allow for any side road crossings of US 51, other than grade-separated interchanges.

The conversion to freeway will also eliminate all driveway access points. The only access to US 51 will be via the two interchanges located at Windsor Rd. and County V/North Street.

Why are there only two interchanges?

An interchange can handle a tremendous volume of traffic and is only limited by the capacity of the side road it services. WisDOT has determined that the two proposed interchanges can easily service the Windsor and Deforest communities, and has enhanced that by providing for four lanes under the structures and roundabouts at ramp terminals to improve efficiency.

Also the proposed design does not preclude the option of adding an additional interchange at Vinburn Rd. at some future date.

Why can't you just add four lanes and leave the intersections with access as they are now? Why does WisDOT have to turn this segment of US 51 into a freeway?

The analysis of freeway versus expressway was done early on in the projects development. The analysis showed:

• Due to the high volume of traffic on the side roads intersecting US 51, the intersections would not function properly.
• There would be high delays at all intersections and considerable future safety concerns would develop at these locations.

These safety issues are best addressed and are most effective in the long-term by removing all access points, including side roads and driveways.

Will noise walls be needed?

Noise walls are not anticipated to part of the US 51 project. A noise analysis was completed, but only a few receptors showed a negligible increase in noise levels which does not require noise mitigation measures.

Will there be temporary road closures along US 51 during construction? How will an ambulance or patrol car get to our location in case of an emergency?

US 51 will remain open to through traffic while new additional lanes are constructed. All traffic will then be transferred to the new lanes while the existing lanes are reconstructed. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times throughout construction.

Return to top

Questions about the content of this page:
WisDOT Southwest Region Office, swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: August 7, 2012