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 .