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US 51 (Reardon Rd.-County V (Grinde Rd.)) - Need/purpose

Purpose

To address the safety and capacity issues along the highly traveled segment of US 51, between Reardon Rd. and County V (Grinde Rd.).

Crash history

Between 2001 and 2007 there were 246 crashes on the segment of US 51 between Reardon Rd. and County V (Grinde Rd.). Of this total, 96 crashes resulted in injuries and three involved a fatality.

The average statewide injury rate for 2003-2007 is 45 injuries per 100 million vehicle-miles, while the average injury rate for the same years for US 51 is 50 injuries per 100 million vehicle-miles.

Roadway deficiencies

The existing roadway is posted at 55 mph. The alignment and profile of US 51 will be improved to meet a 70 mph design speed to provide a safer roadway. The speed limit will remain posted at 55 mph.

Capacity deficiencies

The term "capacity" refers to the number of vehicles that can safely travel on a segment of roadway under varying weather conditions. Traffic volumes, type of traffic and geometric layout of the roadway affect the capacity of a highway.

Increasing traffic volumes on US 51 have caused the road to become congested and unsafe. An estimated 16,900 vehicles drive this stretch of US 51 every day. That number is projected to increase to 28,800 vehicles by the year 2030.

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