Revitalizing WIS 153: Improving Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability
Written by: Tammy Tucker, PE, CBS Squared
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) partnered with CBS²to improve WIS 153 through the City of Mosinee. This urban section of the roadway stretches for 1.5 miles and is heavily traveled, making it a crucial part of the transportation infrastructure and entrance to the city's historical downtown, business district, and redevelopment area.
The project aimed to extend the life of the roadway by providing new pavement treatments that could accommodate traffic volumes and construction operations while ensuring cost-effectiveness. To achieve this goal, the CBS² team proposed three different types of pavement structure improvements.
Addressing Safety Concerns
One of the major safety concerns at the intersection of WIS 153 (Main Street) and WIS 153 (4th Street) was the high number of rear-end collisions involving vehicles traveling northbound on 4th Street and turning right onto eastbound Main Street. To reduce the number of collisions and travel delays, strategically placed right-turn signals were installed. This safety improvement, along with updating curb ramps to meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, installing sidewalks, and providing accentuated crosswalks with signage, significantly improved motorist and pedestrian safety.
The City of Mosinee has some historical and recreational properties of significance, such as the Joseph Dessert Library and the City Square Park, which required special provisions to ensure that the features of the property were not affected, and any improvements were minimal and restored to pre-construction conditions in a timely manner. Unconventional curb ramp designs were required in some areas due to limited space available with adjacent buildings. In front of Mosinee Brewing Company, a curb bump out was determined to be the best solution to meet ADA requirements while accommodating large truck turning movements. This saved the property owner money as no alterations to the building were needed, and the entrance gained a safer access point.
Bicycle Safety
On-road bicycle accommodations were implemented with reflective pavement marking delineating bicyclists from traffic. This provided clear direction for all road users, thereby reducing the chance of crashes.
Collaboration and Cost-Efficiency
The CBS² team worked closely with WisDOT, City of Mosinee, and the public early and often during the design process to understand the project needs and create a solution that balanced the needs of all parties. After through discussions with experienced construction staff, review of construction schedule, material costs and availability, and contractor means and methods our team proposed a detour from Rangeline Road to Main Street rather than staged construction on WIS 153 as it would be economical for the client and the City of Mosinee.
Through the use of a local detour for the duration of construction, the bid came in lower than anticipated and provided a 1.5-month reduction in the project schedule, saving the client time and money!
About the Guest Blogger
Tammy Tucker, PE is a highly experienced project manager CBS², an ACEC Wisconsin Member Firm. Tammy specializes in highway improvement projects, such as roadway perpetuation, rehabilitation, and modernization, with knowledge in roundabouts, signals, and bike and pedestrian facilities.