The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on 2.9 miles of WIS 42 in the city of Manitowoc, Manitowoc County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location
WIS 42 from just east of the County “R” (South Rapids Road) intersection to just west of the South 8th Street intersection. The on and off-ramps at the I-43 interchange will also be included.
Project purpose and need
The primary purposes of the project are to improve the deteriorating pavement surface and extend the service life of WIS 42, to improve safety at the intersections along WIS 42, and to upgrade other roadway deficiencies.
Currently, the existing pavement is showing signs of deterioration including longitudinal and transverse cracking in the concrete and asphalt pavement. The pavement surface has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced.
The following intersections have been identified as candidates for improvement due to having high crash rates and/or operational deficiencies:
- Dewey Street
- Grand Avenue
- 39th Street
- 36th Street
- 30th Street
- Custer Street
Proposed improvements
This is a preliminary design-level project. A
WIS 42 Project PowerPoint presentation has been developed with improvement concept exhibits and design examples. You can find illustrations for all proposed improvements in the WIS 42 PowerPoint. Proposed improvements include:
- Replace the existing pavement structure and curb and gutter with new concrete pavement and curb and gutter
- Intersection reconfigurations at the Dewey Street, Grand Avenue, 39th Street, 36th Street, and 30th Street intersections
- Replacement of all traffic signals
- Roundabout at Custer Street
- Conversion of the 4-lane roadway from 26th Street to 8th Street to a two-lane roadway with a Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL), bike lanes, and on-street parking.
- Replace I-43 interchange ramp pavement with new concrete pavement
- Replacement of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer
- Pavement marking
Anticipated benefits
The project will provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting in less wear on vehicles, extend the life of pavement, and decrease maintenance costs. Intersection modifications will improve operations and safety. The project will also provide pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and improve curb ramps to meet ADA standards.
Possible traffic impacts
WIS 42 plans are still being developed. Possible traffic impacts include lane closures, traffic staging, full closures, and detours.
Schedule
- Environmental Document: Summer 2024
- PIM #2: 2025
- Project design: 2023-2028
- Final Design: 2028
- Construction is currently scheduled for 2029 and 2030
Real estate
Permanent right-of-way (FEE) and Temporary Limited Easements (TLE) would be required for improvements along the project corridor. A second public involvement meeting will be held to discuss detailed intersection designs and impacts. A member of the Department’s real estate team will contact affected property owners.
Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to businesses, organizations, and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies, and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying Informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at www.wisconsindot.gov/Together
Public input/comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community and are welcomed and appreciated throughout the design process. Included in the handout is a comment form that may be used for written comments regarding the proposed improvements. You are encouraged to fill out this form and return using the pre-paid mailer attached. Comments may also be submitted via email or phone to the contact listed at the end of this handout.
Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be considered during design:
- Fill out the comment form attached to this project handout and mail it to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Brian Haen, P.E.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-366-4788
Email:
Brian.Haen@dot.wi.gov