STH 69 Between Belleville and Verona
2024 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: JT Engineering Inc.
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
STH 69’s old design was running out of time. Increased traffic demand created daily congestion as well as overtaxing the pavement below. Poor intersection alignment created dangerous conditions as well. Pavement deterioration impacted safety and was leading to flooding concerns. No wonder that local media called it the “worst road in Wisconsin”.
JT Engineering overcame these environmental constraints and safety concerns and successfully transformed the corridor into a modern roadway. The design team elevated the roadway profile adjacent to the Sugar River to address flooding issues. Safety improvements included realigning intersections, updating curves for better sight distance and ensuring ADA compliance.
With over 20 archaeological sites and multiple historical properties, the team collaborated with stakeholders to minimize impacts. This collaboration extended to environmental impacts also. New walking paths, parking spaces and kayak launches were added and trail closures during construction were coordinated and mitigated.
Through effective communication and proactive collaboration, the team maintained the project schedule. The redesigned roadway boasts a robust pavement structure, wider shoulders, and resilient features. STH 69 stands as a robust, resilient roadway preserving the past while meeting future transportation needs.