US 51 (I-39/90 - US 12/18), Project reports

US 51 (I-39/90 - US 12/18)

Need/purpose

Environmental documents

Public involvement

Project reports

Related info.

Contacts

US 51 (I-39/90 - US 12/18) - Project reports

Needs Assessment (NA)

The NA document analyzed existing conditions along the study corridor:

Traffic volumes
Crash history
Intersection and roadway geometries
Land uses
Environmental resources

The NA also documented existing and future problems with the road as it exists today and examined the impacts of increasing traffic volumes and land use changes on the corridor.

The NA did not examine possible improvements to the road. It was only intended to document the needs of the corridor.

Based on the findings of the NA, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has decided to proceed with the next steps in the study process: an alternatives analysis that will identify and evaluate potential corridor improvements and ongoing identification of short-term improvements.

Coordination with local officials, businesses, and residents will be essential throughout the process.

Reasons for the study

Traffic volumes and traffic congestion have increased, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
The assessment will aid in ensuring the corridor provides safe and efficient travel for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

There is about a two-mile gap between Burma Rd. and Terminal Dr. that was not studied in the needs assessment because this portion of the roadway is already four lanes.

WisDOT does not envision making major improvements to this section for a significant period of time.

Goals of the study

Create an inventory of existing conditions on the US 51 corridor.
Involve the local community to determine existing corridor needs.
Forecast future conditions (traffic volumes and changes in land use) to determine future corridor needs.
Present existing and future needs to the public.