Plans & Projects > NC Region > I-39/Business 51 Interchange >

I-39/Business 51 Interchange - Need/purpose

Why is this project needed?

The Business 51 corridor in the village of Rothschild is a key local route with a current average daily traffic of 15,000 vehicles per day. It has a significant role in connecting industrial, manufacturing and retail land uses to the regional mobility that I-39 provides.

The lanes and ramps on Business 51 do not meet current design standards, leading to congestion and backups. There is limited sight distance on I-39 approaching the ramp, which leads to safety issues associated with the backups. Also the pavement is reaching the end of its useful life.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to improve traffic operations and safety for traffic accessing I-39 to and from Business 51.

Project benefits/anticipated outcomes

WisDOT is currently proposing to reconstruct Business 51 to a divided four lane roadway with auxiliary lanes and turn lanes. Other proposed improvements include:

• Realignment and reconstruction of the interchange ramps
• Reconstruction of Business 51 between Village Way and Eagles Nest Boulevard to a four-lane divided roadway with turn lanes
• Realignment of Morrison Avenue to line up with the south I-39 ramps
• Construction of new pavement, storm sewer, and curb and gutter
• Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations along Business 51
  
  
• Installation of new traffic signals at the I-39 ramps and the County XX intersection
• Reconstruction of the railroad crossings at Morrison Avenue and Foremost Drive
• Replacement of the bridge over Cedar Creek

These proposed improvements will reduce delays, provide on-road bicycle lanes and multi-use path.

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Questions about the content of this page:
WisDOT North Central Region Office, ncr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: February 1, 2013