Council approves Highway 52 cross‑section and sidewalk, rejects multi‑use path and opts for standard lighting

The Wausau Common Council voted on a four‑part package for State Highway 52 (East Wausau Avenue) on Nov. 11, approving the roadway cross section and a north‑side sidewalk while rejecting a proposed multi‑use trail and adopting a lighting plan standardized to overhead 'COBRA' fixtures.

Alder Neil and infrastructure staff presented the engineering recommendations and a cross‑section diagram for the corridor from North 6th to North 18th streets; the cross section resolution passed unanimously. "This is the cross section that was approved at the infrastructure committee," staff noted, and the council approved it 11–0.

The council then considered a 10‑foot multi‑use trail on the south side of Highway 52; several members argued the trail would require excessive land takings, have maintenance burdens in winter and lack regional connectivity. Alder Larson said he would "not be supporting this multiuse trail" and favored a standard sidewalk instead. The multi‑use path motion failed 3–8.

On the sidewalk, engineering staff and several alderpersons recommended installing a sidewalk on the north side as well; Alderman Rasmussen and others cited pedestrian safety and engineering recommendations. The sidewalk resolution passed 8–3.

Debate over lighting focused on cost, spacing and community impacts. Alder Rasmussen moved to remove decorative lighting and replace the corridor lighting with standard overhead COBRA fixtures; engineering staff said the state would cover roughly half the cost for overhead fixtures but decorative options would add approximately $375,000 and require closer pole spacing. Supporters noted decorative lights can enhance aesthetics in targeted historic areas, but several members said the corridor was not an appropriate location. The amended lighting plan (COBRA fixtures from N. 6th to N. 18th) passed after discussion, with the final motion carrying 11–0 as amended.

Votes at a glance: cross section (passed 11–0); multi‑use path (failed 3–8); north‑side sidewalk (passed 8–3); lighting as amended to COBRA fixtures (passed 11–0).

Next steps: staff will proceed with design and procurement consistent with the council’s direction and return to finance or council as required for contracts and bids.

Representative quotes from the meeting include: "Standard overhead COBRA lighting is pretty typical on a corridor like this," engineering staff said; and Alder Larson: "I'm not supporting this multiuse trail...who's gonna maintain it?"