December 6, 2017 at 3:56 p.m.
WisDOT considering roundabout for Rhinelander
WisDOT considering roundabout for Rhinelander
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will hold a meeting on the project from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Rhinelander City Hall and public feedback is encouraged.
According to a WisDOT press release, there were 28 accidents at that intersection between 2012 and 2016, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries. According to the release, half of the accidents were caused by vehicles turning left into the path of oncoming traffic.
It also said that the pavement in the intersection is deteriorating and that the drainage underneath the road surface needs to be improved to "optimize pavement stability."
According to the release, there are two alternatives being considered for the project: leaving it signalized with some operational modifications to make it safer or put in a roundabout.
The subject of the roundabout option was discussed Monday at meetings of both the city public works committee and water/wastewater committee.
Public works director Tim Kingman said the project will be done jointly by the state and the county highway department, but the city will get to weigh in on it, which is why the Dec. 12 meeting will be held at City Hall.
"Over time, the DOT has said that it would be nice to have us involved in the intersection," Kingman said. "They've wanted to do it with our partners at the county, they have some jurisdictional responsibilities on Kemp Street. So all three entities have been meeting in the past about a potential timetable to do this project. Presently, it's on track for 2019."
Kingman also noted that he just received notice from WisDOT that the bridge near the intersection is also going to see work.
The Dec. 12 meeting will be the first time that WisDOT will present detailed drawings and information on both of the options for the intersection.
"This is the location of the roundabout," Kingman said. "Nobody's fixed on the roundabout, however it is a good area where there is ample space to do something like that, and they will receive city input on it."
Alderperson Sherrie Belliveau noted that she had previously forwarded some concerns she received from her constituents about a potential roundabout at the intersection and asked if those concerns could be brought up at the meeting next Tuesday.
"Absolutely, I think we should always put everything on the table," Kingman replied, adding that while the intersection is within the city limits it has been designated to the county's jurisdiction in terms of maintenance.
"So when we go in there and ask for something to be done on that highway, it would be the county we are presently speaking to," Kingman said. "As this project goes through, it's not part of the public hearing process, but it doesn't mean that we don't bring it up."
He also said there have been some "cryptic form of conversations" on how Kemp Street would be improved during this project west of the bridge and east of Highway 47 if that the median would be eliminated.
"It will be very much like the five-lane section of Lincoln Street," Kingman said. "That's very preliminary."
Kingman explained that the traditional design that WisDOT is looking at for the intersection would improve the turn lanes and sight lines that have led to the collisions.
Alderperson Alex Young agreed with Belliveau that public input at the meeting will be important, in part because there is a snowmobile trail near that intersection.
"And it is the only tie into those hotels, so that's important for tourism and things like that," he said.
"Who has the final say, us or the county?" asked council president George Kirby.
"On this intersection, I don't know and that is part of what comes forth in this meeting," Kingman said. "The DOT is responsible for that intersection, the county is responsible east of it and for the maintenance of the road."
Young noted that roundabouts "are controversial" and mentioned legislation has been introduced that would allow local municipalities to reject roundabouts in their jurisdiction. He wasn't sure of the status of the legislation, however.
"Whether that is an option, maybe that is an option we ought to think about," he said.
"Unfortunately, this is a situation where we've been invited to the party and now we have to become members of the party," Kingman replied, adding that he has heard about the proposed legislation Young spoke of, but was unaware if it has become law.
"I didn't pay attention to it back then because there wasn't a roundabout proposed in Rhinelander back then," Young admitted.
Kingman said he has seen roundabouts work very well.
"I think if the intersection were done in the correct alignment or an improved alignment, that could work for the city as well," he said.
Young said he understands that roundabouts reduce the severity of accidents, but right after they are opened there tends to be a momentary spike in the number of accidents while local drivers become used to it.
"People like me who are not accustomed to driving through roundabouts," Young admitted. "But that decreases over time. I know it helps decrease the severity of the crashes."
Kirby said it has been proven that roundabouts help improve traffic flow.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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