Transforming Lifelines for Connectivity and Safety
Written by: Brad Halvensleben, PE, KL Engineering
In the bustling landscape of Janesville, two arteries, WIS 26 and I-39/90, serve as vital lifelines, connecting communities, facilitating commerce, and inviting tourists to explore the state's beauty. However, the wear and tear of time had taken its toll on these critical thoroughfares, demanding intervention to ease traffic congestion and ensure continued safety, efficiency, and accessibility for all. Civil engineering played a crucial role in transforming these roadways, paving the way for extraordinary changes and setting a new standard for engineering design.
The Engineering Challenge
Picture yourself behind the wheel, maneuvering over aged roads, and navigating congested traffic, outdated interchanges, and deteriorating bridges. This was the reality for travelers along WIS 26 and I-39/90. For nearly three decades, the pavement of WIS 26 endured heavy traffic, while a section of I-39/90 grappled with fifty-year-old infrastructure including a cloverleaf at WIS 26 straight from the history books. With traffic volumes and safety concerns increasing, action was needed to ensure the continued functionality of these vital corridors.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recognized the urgent need for the modernization of these roadways to meet evolving standards and ensure safety. Tasked with spearheading the design of the WIS 26 and I-39/90 project, KL Engineering, Inc. embarked on a journey of innovation and collaboration.
The Mission
To create a design for the reconstruction that expanded and breathed new life into WIS 26 and I-39/90. This was more than simply repaving roads and building bridges. It was about completely reimagining connectivity and safety for the community.
The Result
A transformative vision that replaced outdated structures and embraced modern concepts of sustainability, multi-modality, and community aesthetics.
Robust Stakeholder Engagement
The WIS 26 and I-39/90 project is an example of how combining innovative design strategies with strong community engagement can lead to effective solutions that enhance safety and accessibility. The KL team actively engaged a spectrum of stakeholders to develop a design solution that met Janesville’s needs. Additionally, the design team maintained transparency throughout the process by providing information using public meetings, open houses, and an extensive online presence. This approach fostered a sense of collective ownership and garnered widespread community support.
Prioritizing Safety, Sustainability, & Accessibility
The design team not only met expectations but exceeded them. The existing traffic flow posed challenges due to numerous left-turn movements, leading to increased conflict points and compromised safety. To address this, the outdated cloverleaf at WIS 26 was replaced with Wisconsin's third Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). This innovative design redirects traffic to the opposite side of the road within the interchange minimizing conflict points. What’s more, the DDI accommodates bicycles and pedestrians, promoting a sustainable and inclusive transportation system.
WIS 26 was expanded to six lanes, while I-39/90 underwent a dramatic transformation, growing to 12 lanes. This expansion included two collector-distributor (C/D) roadways, ten bridges, 15 MSE retaining walls, and other supporting infrastructure. The design enhanced traffic flow and significantly reduce conflict points prioritizing safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
All of this was constructed while maintaining two lanes of traffic in each direction, illustrating the team’s efficient strategic planning. Not a single business or residential relocation was required, illustrating the team’s commitment to decreasing impacts while maximizing results.
Reflecting on the success of the WIS 26 and I-39/90 project, we're reminded of the vital role that engineering plays in our daily lives. From the roads we travel to the bridges we cross, engineers are the unsung heroes behind the infrastructure that keeps our communities connected and thriving. So, the next time you drive WIS 26 and I-39/90 in Janesville, take a moment to notice the remarkable work of the civil engineers who made it all possible. After all, it's their ingenuity and dedication that ensure our lifelines remain strong for years to come.
Remarkable Results
Today, the outcome is a visually stunning, sustainable, multi-modal facility that not only boosts safety and accessibility but also enhances connectivity, enriching the quality of life for all. The WIS 26 and I-39/90 project serves as inspiration for future endeavors, underscoring the essential roles of innovation and community engagement in civil engineering endeavors.
About the Guest Blogger
Brad Halvensleben, PE, is the Transportation Discipline Leader of Infrastructure Services for KL Engineering. He has over 25 years of civil engineering expertise and oversees the design and management of projects, from major interstate projects to rehabilitation projects. KL Engineering, Inc. is a professional civil engineering firm with a core specialization in transportation engineering. The firm has offices in Madison, Green Bay, Menomonie, and Germantown, and offers civil engineering, survey, and environmental services for both public and private clients.