Most of you have probably been aware of the free flowing traffic on James Street for almost a month. This update is to cap off the project updates and offer a look into Columbus’s road construction future.
2018 is set to be chock full of road projects, welcome news for the many of you who have contacted City Hall and your elected officials expressing concern over the condition of roads in Columbus. Like the James Street reconstruction, the majority of the projects next year will be Wisconsin Department of Transportation funded, and therefore involve few of your local tax dollars.
First we have more work on highway 16/60. This time the focus will be on the 151 overpass. This work will connect the stretch of new road laid this year with the 2016 work done around the stoplights near Westside Travel Center.
The second state project is a portion of highway 73 that extends from Faith Drive, past the hospital and up to Heritage Way (the access road to the new Enerpac plant). This work will not be as involved as the James Street reconstruction. The old road will be ground down somewhat and then a fresh layer of asphalt will be poured over top. You will not have to wait for new curb and gutter and other infrastructure to be installed as what currently exists has been deemed adequate.
And finally we have the city’s own street projects for next year. On the docket this time around are South Water and East School Streets. Portions are expected to be completely redone, while others will be receiving the mill and overlay treatment.
Columbus’s intern, JT Cestkowski, beleaguered from the past seven months of pavement beating, is slaving on one final project before his position expires at the end of the month: a report. He is collecting the public’s thoughts on the city’s efforts to inform the public about the roadwork. What worked, and what did not? If you have strong opinions, and--judging by JT’s email inbox--you do, please email your thoughts to jtcestkowski@columbuswi.us.
It has been a pleasure keeping you all informed on the James Street construction. From all of us at the city, thank you for your patience and feedback. Enjoy the reprieve from orange barrels until the next construction season.