West Jackson Street Reconfiguration Balances City Goals with Industrial Character
Written by: Eric Hanson, PE, Strand Associates, Inc.®
The West Jackson Street project in Wisconsin Rapids shows how a vehicle-centric roadway can be transformed into a corridor for all users with minimal right-of-way impacts. The design reflects the city’s values by promoting multimodal travel while preserving its role as a vital economic link and primary downtown access route.
Right-Sized Solutions with Smart Budgeting
Traffic volumes no longer justified extra lanes, so the roadway was reduced in both directions. This allowed for the addition of a shared-use path and wider terraces within the existing right of way—enhancing accessibility without expanding the corridor.
Innovative Two-Lane Divided Section for Multimodal Use
A unique two-lane divided roadway with a raised median was introduced along a portion of the corridor—an uncommon configuration. With few driveways in this stretch, the design accommodates multimodal users by incorporating an off-road shared-use path for cyclists.
Single-Lane Roundabout Improves Safety and Flow
The tee-intersection at 4th Avenue presented challenges due to its sharp 90-degree turns. After evaluating multiple options, a single-lane roundabout was chosen. Its geometry fits the corridor, maintains smooth operations, and improves pedestrian safety with added median refuges.
Context-Sensitive Design Enhances Livability
The project integrates seamlessly with the industrial downtown by:
- Preserving existing right of way.
- Supporting the city’s long-range redevelopment plans.
- Slowing travel speeds by reducing lanes.
- Improving multimodal access with a shared-use path and enhanced pedestrian features.
Pedestrian-Friendly Enhancements
Reducing crossing distances and adding median refuges has shortened pedestrian crossings by one-third, making the corridor safer and more walkable.
Truck Accommodations Without Compromise
To support the corridor’s industrial character, the design includes wider driveway aprons and a traversable median to accommodate truck over-tracking—without sacrificing pedestrian safety or roadway function.
Future-Ready Design
By reducing lanes, introducing green space, and enhancing pedestrian accommodations, the project promotes safer, slower travel while maintaining industrial access. Its success has led the city to plan a similar design for East Jackson Street.
About the Guest Blogger
Eric Hanson, PE, is a Project Manager at Strand Associates, Inc.® in Madison. Strand Associates, a long-time ACEC Wisconsin member, was founded in 1946 and now operates 12 offices with projects in 48 states.