Council backs 3‑lane Fulton Street design with center turn lane; moves to continue design work

The Waupaca Common Council on Aug. 19 endorsed Alternative 2 — a three-lane configuration with a center left-turn lane — as the preferred design for the planned Fulton Street reconstruction and authorized staff to continue detailed design work with Strand and Associates. Public Works Director Justin Behrens said the city considered four alternatives that balanced traffic capacity, driveway access and streetscape needs. Alternative 2, a three-lane “twiddle” design with a dedicated center left-turn lane, was recommended because it manages turning movements from many driveways, accommodates current and foreseeable traffic volumes and allows a wider terrace for trees and pedestrian amenities. Nut graf: Councilors and staff said the design seeks to lower speeds, improve driveway access and expand streetscaping near downtown while minimizing cost where state-owned Highway 49 will be reconstructed in a later decade. At a July 31 public meeting about alternatives, residents raised concerns about high speeds, narrow outside lanes and steep driveway grades. Staff said the preferred option widens terraces, adds left-turn lanes at side streets, restripes pavement west of Highway 49 and matches downtown streetscape standards near Division Street. The council discussed intersection geometry, parking impacts and pedestrian safety before voting. Formal action: A motion to approve Strand and Associates’ recommendation and to continue design based on Alternative 2 passed by voice vote. Next steps: Staff will return with a mid-design presentation and take the plan to the plan commission before preparing final bid documents. Utility work and selective burial of overhead lines were discussed as part of the project scope.