The summer of punishing road projects in and around Racine feels like it has been going on since LAST summer, but that’s not really the case. And, in fact, progress is visibly real in some cases.
One of the more challenging projects, in terms of following the signs for lane realignment, has been Washington Avenue (WIS 20) from West Boulevard to Marquette Street. Scheduled for completion in October, weather permitting, the project is resurfacing 1.5 miles of Washington Avenue and installing curb ramps at intersections.
During construction Washington Avenue has been limited to eastbound traffic only.
On Wednesday, August 15, the westbound lanes in the project area are scheduled to reopen.
Also, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: “In coordination with the City of Racine, crews will need to perform sanitary sewer work at the railroad crossing on WIS 20 located between 12th Street and 13th Street. To complete this work, a full closure of WIS 20 will be required later this fall for approximately two to three weeks.
“An official detour will be posted using nearby 12th Street, WIS 32 (Racine Street) and 13th Street to connect motorists back with WIS 20.”
Work rolls along on WIS 32, too
Work continues as well on WIS 32, from Main Street to Goold Street, with work scheduled to wrap up in November.
The project will reconstruct approximately one mile of Douglas Avenue from Goold Street to Hamilton Street; and reconstruct approximately 0.2 miles of Hamilton Street from Douglas Avenue to Main Street.
New sidewalks are being added, as well as updated bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
War on I-94
If you have somehow avoided driving anywhere near Interstate 94 or the emerging Foxconn Technology Group campus, you may have missed the fun of navigating the many WisDOT projects going on in that part of the county.
WisDOT has an excellent page, including maps and timelines, that will either impress you or depress you.
A special map is updated regularly that shows routes trucks hauling materials to the many Foxconn project sites must follow, as well as how workers can reach their work zones. Maps of routes through the end of 2019 are included.