The need for the project was recognized in the 1990s. Funding became available in 2006, prompting the start of design. Construction is expected to be completed in 2017.
“ We had a task force that met with all affected parties – schools, law enforcement, transit systems, other agencies that had local works projects that would be affected by the construction,” said Chad DeGrave, the WisDOT design supervisor for the project.“ There is a lot of coordination with all of these groups ahead of time.”
As with all TMPs, this one will continue to be modified through the end of the project to continually improve the safety of motorists and workers. But unlike most plans – thankfully – this one received extensive modification after an incident affecting a completely different roadway in the region.
On September 25, 2013, the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge was closed after a 400-foot stretch of the structure sagged. The bridge carries Interstate 43 over the Fox River in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The two interstates, IH-41 and IH-43, intersect on the north side of Green Bay.
Traffic experts immediately began assessing how the bridge closure would affect the traffic management along the Interstate 41 construction corridor and began making adjustments. The bridge remained closed for more than three months.
“ You can’ t have a plan in place and just leave it there. It has to be updated throughout the process,” DeGrave said.
This project also highlights how changes in the traveling public and technology have affected TMPs. On the Interstate 41 project, WisDOT is using social media to help keep motorists informed, including dedicated websites, Twitter, and Facebook. Programmable lighted message boards, stripes of highly reflective paint on the road surface, and signs direct motorists. Temporary and permanent cameras monitor traffic flow, allowing traffic experts to dispatch a tow truck to remove a stranded vehicle blocking traffic or guide emergency responders to the site of an accident.
It’ s all part of the plan. – Kay Kruse-Stanton
21│TRENDS
PERSPECTIVES
Award honors Madison project
The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects honored a campus site project that Ayres Associates’ Badger Road office designed. The Madison( Wisconsin) College Truax Campus Expansion project received an Honor Award in the Built Design category. Awards were presented at a February 24 reception in Madison.
The project involved an updated site master plan and design for the outdoor spaces of Madison College’ s expanding Truax Campus. The expansion included construction of four new buildings and related outdoor student spaces and parking, as well as traffic improvements aimed at turning a caroriented commuter campus into traditional, multibuilding campus with a strong urban identity that is pedestrian and bike friendly.
Engineering Services leader hired
Michael Payant has joined Ayres Associates as manager of engineering services in the Waukesha office. Payant brings extensive experience in civil engineering for local governments and residential and commercial development. He will be responsible for developing relationships with southeast Wisconsin clients. Payant is active in many area organizations and supports Ayres Associates’ expanded involvement in those professional and community groups.
Among the areas of expertise Payant offers clients are utility and roadway design and analysis, site development, capital planning, and infrastructure management.
Payant holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Marquette University. He is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin.