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DOT proposes connecting-highway projects through 2034; city to cover 25% engineering share (~$1.23M)
Summary
The DOT proposed four additional connecting-highway projects in Wisconsin Rapids scheduled 2031—2034; staff said the city's share for engineering across the projects is about $1.23 million and could require coordination on utility replacements, right-of-way, and potential parking lane and hazardous-material contingencies.
City staff outlined a multi-year DOT proposal to program additional connecting-highway projects in Wisconsin Rapids through 2034 and summarized the city's likely financial and logistical responsibilities. The DOT proposed projects include State Trunk Highway 73 (West Grand Ave) in 2031; segments of the Riverview Expressway in 2032 and 2033; and a State Trunk Highway 1334 west-side project in 2034.
Joe, a staff member presenting the plan, said construction funding for the projects would be 100% state-funded, while the city's immediate exposure is primarily 25% of engineering costs. He estimated the accumulated engineering share across the seven projects at roughly $1.23 million over the six-year period. Joe also noted the city would procure and be reimbursed for real estate acquisitions and would bear costs for parking lane conversions and for any hazardous-material remediation discovered during excavation. Two projects have construction dollar estimates in the $20 $26 million range, Joe said.
Committee members raised concerns about coordinating utility replacement work, the impact on the city's capital improvements program (CIP), and whether the city could use in-house crews or would need contractors to do utility work when pavement is removed. Joe said the city would try to align utility work with the CIP and use city crews where practical; he highlighted areas with older utilities that will likely need replacement when pavement is removed.
On the related Griffith Avenue intersection discussion, Joe reported the DOT had decided not to pursue a roundabout option and was favoring an enhanced traditional intersection; the DOT offered to provide that decision in writing for the city to share with the council.
