City Council reviews Highway 52 design plans ahead of 2029 construction

The Wausau Infrastructure and Facilities Committee convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss key infrastructure projects, with a focus on the upcoming reconstruction of South Highway 52, also known as East Wausau Avenue. The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on May 8, 2025, which passed unanimously.

The primary agenda item involved a discussion on the preferred design alternative for the reconstruction of South Highway 52 from Sixth Street to Eighteenth Street, scheduled for 2029. Alan, a city representative, introduced the topic, noting that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is leading the project, having engaged EMCS for design and implementation. He emphasized the importance of providing a recommendation to the DOT regarding the city's preferences for the road's reconstruction.

Stephanie Christiansen from EMCS provided an overview of the project, highlighting that the existing pavement has reached the end of its service life and that various infrastructure improvements are necessary. These include addressing drainage issues, updating curb ramps to meet ADA compliance, and replacing traffic signals at North Sixth Street. A significant concern raised was the pattern of rear-end crashes occurring between North Sixth and North Thirteenth Streets, particularly involving younger drivers during school hours. The project has qualified for safety funding to implement necessary improvements in this area.

The committee also discussed the potential addition of sidewalks on the north side of Highway 52 from Thirteenth to Eighteenth Streets to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. The public involvement meeting held on May 14, 2025, was referenced, with comments from the community being collected and reviewed to inform the design process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing public feedback and refining the project plans as they move forward. The committee's next steps will involve finalizing recommendations for the DOT and ensuring that community needs are met in the upcoming reconstruction efforts.