Highway 18-60 Project
As the sign says, the Highway 18-60 project has started anew this spring.
Highway 18-60 work starts again
By Ted Pennekamp
The Highway 18-60 construction project in the town of Bridgeport started up again on Monday, March 27.
John Gantenbein of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) said the contractor has begun marking for traffic control device placement, which is scheduled for later in the week.
“This spring, most of the work will be concentrated to the median along the entire roadway and east end of the project,” said Gantenbein.
The work area on the east end will be from the north end of the Wisconsin River Bridge to Upper Bridgeport Road, next to The Port gas station. This work will be done in stages and Highway 18 will be open to one lane (12-foot wide) of traffic, utilizing temporary traffic signals so new bridge approaches, culverts and pavement can be removed and replaced.
Work in the median will finish the areas between the backs of curb and the crossover areas that had to be used to maintain free flow of traffic last year, said Gantenbein. The median side lanes in both directions along the entire project will be closed to finish this work.
“Motorists should please remember that the roadwork signs will remain up until all work is completed this spring and to be mindful of workers who are still working,” said Gantenbein. “If we have a decent spring for weather, the project is expected to be completed around Memorial Day weekend.”
Gantenbein said motorists should expect some delays on the east end of the project due to the lane closure with temporary signals.
Regarding the 45 mph zone that is in the western part of the project area, and whether it will become permanent after the completion of the project, Gantenbein said, “The 45 mph zone is currently being reviewed by DOT officials.”
Gantenbein also said motorists need to display some patience, especially at the intersections and temporary traffic signals. He reminded motorists to, “Remember that it is illegal to use cell phones in all work zones unless they are hands free.”
The project is on U.S. Highway 18 between South Town Lane in Prairie du Chien and the Wisconsin River Bridge in Crawford County. It also extends along State Highway 60 approximately 1,000 feet. The total project length is 3.2 miles.
The $17 million project, which is both state and federally funded, consists of reconstructing this corridor from the current two-lane configuration to a four-lane facility with a 50-foot median.
Several side roads along the corridor have been realigned in order to consolidate access locations. The west end of Old Highway 18 no longer accesses U.S. 18, but instead connects with Cabin Hill Lane. Access to all properties and businesses will be maintained through alternate routes.
Left and right turn lanes have been added at most intersections to improve traffic flow and safety. The finished project will consist of two 12-foot lanes, an 8-foot shoulder on the outside, and a 6-foot shoulder on the inside in each direction. The surface will be concrete pavement. Drainage will be improved with additional ditching and new drainage structures throughout the length of the project.
Traffic efficiency and safety are the primary reasons for the project. Additional lanes, dedicated turn lanes, and consolidation of access points are design elements that contribute to the increased safety and efficiency.
The intersection of Highway 18 and Highway 60 has been made easier and safer. The most notable change to the US18/STH60 interchange is improved lane designation, which makes navigation through the intersection easier to understand. This is accomplished through longer and better marked turn lanes and tapers, raised islands, and updated pavement marking and signing. The intersection is larger so the motorist can get in the proper lane sooner.
