Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plan Commission backs relocation order to secure railroad easements for East Memorial Drive reconstruction
Summary
The commission recommended the City Council proceed with acquisition of permanent limited easements within Union Pacific Railroad right‑of‑way to support the East Memorial Drive STP‑Urban reconstruction project, scheduled for 2027.
The Janesville Plan Commission on June 2 recommended that the City Council proceed with a relocation order to acquire permanent limited easements needed for reconstruction of East Memorial Drive and the North Parker Drive interchange.
City staff said the reconstruction project — being developed in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and currently scheduled for 2027 — will require pavement replacement, minor realignment of ramps for improved merging and visibility, and replacement of sidewalks and storm sewer. "The preliminary design for this portion of the project determined that what are referred to as permanent limited easements will be necessary to support sidewalk and stormwater facilities that are located within the Union Pacific Railroad right of way," city staff member Dwayne said, explaining that those easements would remain only for the duration of construction and would terminate on project completion.
Because railroads often require lengthy negotiations, staff said the relocation order is the first step filed with the Rock County Clerk’s Office before the city begins discussion or negotiation with property owners and the railroad. Staff recommended the commission find the need and location of the easements consistent with city plans; the recommendation also noted that the Plan Commission had not reviewed the financial aspects of the transactions.
Commissioner Williams moved to find the acquisition of the permanent limited easements consistent with city plans and to recommend the City Council proceed; Commissioner Dungarett seconded. A unanimous roll‑call vote recorded all commissioners present in favor. Staff said the item will appear on the City Council agenda on June 9.
The project remains in the preliminary design and easement‑acquisition stage; staff indicated additional requests related to the project will likely return to the commission as the design and property negotiations progress.
