WIS 38 (County K - Oakwood Rd.), Need/purpose

WIS 38 (County K - Oakwood Rd.)

Need/purpose

Environmental document

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WIS 38 (County K - Oakwood Rd.) - Need/purpose

WIS 38 is classified as an arterial route, and the portion in Racine County is also on the National Highway System. WIS 38 serves a wide variety of regional and local users. As planned development continues along WIS 38 and in surrounding communities, traffic volumes will continue to increase and safety is anticipated to decrease.

2002 to 2004 crash rates on this section of highway were nearly double the state average. 2006 to 2009 crash rates continued to show higher than average crashes in the segments north and south of 6 Mile Rd. In particular, the section between 6 Mile Rd. and County K has a crash rate of more than 2.5 times the state average for similar roadways.

Projects have been completed on WIS 38 in 2006 (improving and signalizing the intersections of Oakwood Rd. and 7 Mile Rd.), 2007 (constructing a roundabout at County K), and 2010 (resurfacing the roadway and implementing minor spot intersection improvements).

The 2010 project on WIS 38 included minor improvements and overlaid the roadway with a new asphalt surface. However, the underlying pavement structure constructed in 1923 still remains, and many of the roadway standards used in the original construction are obsolete. Remaining problems on the existing highway include:

Hills and curves limiting visibility
Poor sightlines at intersections
Limited passing opportunities
Unconventional intersection configurations and lack of adequate turn lanes
Narrow shoulders
Unsafe embankment slopes if a vehicles leave the roadway
Numerous driveways resulting in crashes between local turning traffic and through traffic
Poor roadside drainage and no storm water treatment for pollutants or to reduce flooding

These deficiencies have an impact on the safe and efficient use of the facility by all travelers. In addition, there are areas where combinations of these deficient features further impact the safety and efficiency of the roadway.

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