Drivers take note: WIS 38 reconstruction in Racine to begin March 14th

RACINE -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will begin a reconstruction project on WIS 38 (Northwestern Ave.) from Golf Ave. to Memorial Drive, in the City of Racine. The approximately one-mile project is scheduled to begin March 14th.

Beginning March 14, WIS 38 from Rapids Ave. to Memorial Drive will be closed to northbound traffic. One lane of southbound WIS 38 traffic will be available.  Northbound WIS 38 traffic will use the official detour: northbound Memorial Drive to westbound Rapids Drive to WIS 38. Rapids and Memorial drives can also be used as an alternate route for southbound traffic.

Once reconstructed, WIS 38 will continue to be a single lane roadway, in each direction, with a bicycle accommodation throughout the project limits. Two roundabouts will be built at the intersections of Northwestern Ave. and High/Albert Street, and Northwestern Ave. and Spring/West Street. The project will also improve intersections that have irregular configurations.

The project will involve new pavement marking, new signage, a new traffic signal at High Street, ADA-compliant curb ramps, streetscape and landscape elements. Sidewalks will be replaced in areas impacted by the work.

Business and pedestrian access will be maintained during construction.

Built in 1955, with its last rehabilitation in 1985, the roadway has reached the end of its serviceable life. The contractor, Stark Pavement Corp., is planning on completing the $6.7 million project in fall of 2016. The schedule of work is weather dependent and subject to change.

More information about the project can be found at http://projects.511wi.gov/38nwave/