FOR HUB CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A busy Wood County intersection will be transformed into Wisconsin’s latest roundabout. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation made the announcement in a Feb. 22 press release.

The roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of WIS 73/80 and County A, on Pittsville’s north side.

In November 2022, about a hundred concerned citizens and business owners went to the Pittsville Community Center, to hear proposals from state transportation officials, and voice their opinions. Based on citizen feedback and other additional information, the department has determined that a roundabout will best meet the overall needs of the public, including addressing safety needs identified at the intersection. Planners were also considering a four-way stop.

“We’re hearing a little (in favor) of both,” said DOT Project Manager Mark Steidl, during the Nov. 30 public informational meeting. “I would say overall maybe a little more support for the roundabout than the four-way stop, but there is support for both of them. So, it’s our job to consider those comments, as well as other factors that we consider in determining the appropriate intersection type at any given location,” Steidl added.

Cost was also considered. In this case, DOT officials are choosing the more expensive option. An all-way stop runs in the neighborhood of $2 million and a roundabout is approximately a half-million more.

The design team will proceed with developing plans for the roundabout intersection, and the department will schedule another public meeting early in 2024. During that meeting, the department will provide more details concerning the intersection’s layout, right-of-way needs and traffic impacts during construction. The work is part of a larger project – the resurfacing of Hwy. 80 from the intersection to Poplar Street near Hay Creek Pallet. Construction is scheduled for 2026. The schedule is dependent on favorable weather conditions and construction progress.  

According to DOT figures, four non-incapacitating injuries have occurred at that intersection in the past ten years. The data also show two possible injuries and eighteen incidents involving property damage.

More information on the project can be found online at the project website: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/nc/wis80pittsville/default.aspx

For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s North Central Region: Follow on Twitter: @WisDOTNorthCent; visit the region’s 511 website: https://projects.511wi.gov/region/north-central/