Public Information Meeting Recap

At the Public Information Meeting held last Thursday night, many things were discussed; detour routes, social media updates, emergency plans, and business.  Here are a few questions that were discussed. If you have other questions feel free to comment below!

Question: With the detour route are roads such as Hitchcock and Waldo still able to get across or turn onto South Boulevard?
Answer: As long as you are following the flow of traffic when turning onto South Boulevard those roads will work normally. 

Question: Will emergency crews be able to get to everyone if some things should come up?
Answer: Plans are in place, a meeting was held last Thursday afternoon so that Emergency crews and those in charge of the construction project could discuss the course of action. In the event that an emergency situation should occur on South Boulevard the road will be close to all except Emergency personnel. The construction workers understand that machines and equipment need to be parked in a way that allows access to residents in the evening when work has finished for the day, and are prepared to move things in the event of an emergency during the day. 

Question:  Will there be hours available to the public to voice concerns with those in charge?
Answer: Warren Mohar has been kind enough to give some of his time every other week to those who have concerns. His office will be located at Nordic. MSA while involved with the project will not house anyone working with the project they will be at Nordic. Contact Warren at 608-963-5608 if you would like more information, or to set up a meeting with him. 

Question:  Will there be two roundabouts or just one.
Answer: Just One! It will go in at the corner where South Boulevard meets Parkway.

Question:  Will traffic with the Circus Parade be able to get through town?
Answer: Yes the detour route is set to handle the traffic! 

Question:  Will there be parking on Lynn and other detour streets?
Answer: No, street parking will not be allowed throughout the course of the project on detour streets.

Question: Will trucks and semis be using the same detour route or a different route?
Answer: The same route.

Conversation 3: 2000 Pound Missiles

We are almost there! I don't know about you, but I am ready for this to get started! Construction is officially set to begin on Monday July 7th. The detour will be in effect and that means there will be men out working. These men who will be working to rebuild our road follow a lot of safety regulations, not only for themselves, but for those around them as well. As the public we are a large portion of the people they are protecting, and the least we can do is return the favor. 

When thinking of driving safely many times the voice of my Drivers Ed. teacher, Mr. Dave Crane, comes to mind. I can remember the first requirement for Drivers Education at Baraboo High School was a meeting we had before the course officially began. One remark still stands out to me, he said, when driving a car,

"You are behind the wheel of a 2,000 Pound missile." 

As someone who was already terrified of driving, I didn't really need to be scared any more than I currently was, however I still remember those words vividly. (In fact, I am sure I turned white as a sheet after he said them.) Our vehicles, although never intended as such, are killing machines. 

51 people died in vehicular accidents just last month in Wisconsin. 

Think of how many people are in your extended family, add in your friends, now think for a minute what your world would like like if fifty-one of them died. Every single person who died had a family, friends, and a life that is now over. They were special, and unique; they brought their own personal touch to your world. These road workers, they too have lives and touch the lives of others. For you to be the reason someones mother, husband, daughter, or brother dies? Never another embrace, I love you, or smile shared again. All on your hands. No one wants to be the reason someones loved one dies, so here are a few reminders when going through construction.

Drive slowly. This is the last thing most people want to hear, but if your loved one was on the road would you want cars speeding through when they were trying to do their job?

Use your eyes. Machines and pedestrian workers need you to keep your eyes open and watching when going through construction. 

Stay Alert. Put your coffee down, stay off your phone, and don't touch those dials! Those lives depend upon it! One look away from the road, means five seconds to refocus on driving. That is six seconds or more where someone's life could end, don't let it be your car that ends it. 

Remember those rebuilding South Boulevard are human. These people are doing their jobs, and they are working hard. Let's keep them, and each other, safe so that they have the same opportunities we do. 

I know this isn't the most cheery topic, however with one week to go I wanted to make sure it was covered. That's right, only seven days to go!!! Get ready everybody, the count down has begun!

-A.W.

We made the Paper!

Baraboo News Republic published an article in todays paper, we made the front page! Check out this recap of last nights meeting here.

Construction This Week

The City of Baraboo is installing a series of sewer and water crossings on South Boulevard in advance of the official project.  The road closure is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. Sorry for the delay, I just received information. My apologies to anyone who experienced any inconvenience.

-A.W.

WRPQ Radio Show

Every other week WRPQ airs a summary of what the City Council is up to, and this week we make an appearance! Listen for us tomorrow, and I hope to see you at the meeting! 

Room 14 at the Civic Center at 6:00 pm.

Conversation 2: The Timing of the Project

Timing is something that can trip anyone up, be it a major league baseball player at the plate, or the "Average Joe" just trying to get to work on time in the morning. That's why for this weeks conversation I wanted to take the time to tell you a little bit about the timing of the project.

Many of you are probably wondering why this project took so long to get started. 

We have all experienced the pot holes and know that this is an overdue investment. The planning has been going on for around ten years now! The truth? Plans can only go so far without funding, and we didn't have the funding. For a while we we were like that Major League batter without a pitcher. You can have the best swing, or in this case plan, in the world, but with no ball thrown it's impossible to play the game.  We are very thankful that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) S.T.I.P. program has thrown us the ball by providing funding and allowing the project to begin. The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program has been around since before 2004. Local officials apply for the funding, which is federal, and once approved can use that money for highway and major transit projects. South Boulevard fit the qualifications and we were granted funding. The WisDOT website has lists of other projects that are also in the works. For more information on the program check it out HERE.

Now that we have started the timeline looks like this.

The project itself is slated to begin July 7th, when one way traffic will begin. The project will work in three phases. Phase one: The east bound lane and the south half of the roundabout will be done. Phase two: the west bound lane and the north half of the roundabout will be done. The final phase is the restoration of the area near the road. The first two phases are set to be complete by November 14th, 2014 if all goes according to schedule. The timeline is dependent on good weather, good luck, and a lot of hard work, so if things do get set back remember that people are working very hard to prevent that. Just like trying to get out the door in the morning sometime you spill your coffee, or forgot to role up your car windows when it rained the night before. Once in a while those rough patches push back the timeline and make life more difficult. We are hoping to avoid any "spilled coffee" with the project but if it should come, I promise to keep you well informed!

Throughout all the inconvenience of road construction please let me know if you have any questions. I will be doing my best to keep everyone up to date on a weekly, perhaps even daily, basis. The traffic will only be one way on South Boulevard to allow residential access as well as access to the businesses located there as well. Please see Article from: City of Baraboo, "News Scape" for more detour information about the project.

Happy Monday Everyone!

-A.W.

For more information consider attending the Public Information Meeting Thursday the 26th of June. It will take place in Room 14 at the Civic Center in Baraboo at 6:00 pm. The meeting is planned to end at around 7:30 pm.

Public Information Meeting

There is a Public Information Meeting for the businesses and residents on or near South Boulevard or those effected by the detour. It will take place Thursday the 26th of June from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the Civic Center room 14.

At the meeting we will discuss the stages of the project, means of communication, detours, and address questions and concerns. Hope to see you there!

Twitter is Here!

Our Twitter account is up and running so if you tweet and want a short and quick way to get updates about the project follow us! @sblvdbaraboo #readytotweet #sblvdbaraboo #wooohoo 

Conversation 1: The Purpose of the Project

This may seem silly, as anyone driving down South Boulevard can clearly see, or feel rather, that it needs a little love. However, if you revisit the post titled "Information," you will see that we are doing more than fixing a few dozen (or more) pot holes. This project is far reaching and it is bringing safety, curb appeal, bike lanes, and sidewalks. This may seem minor, but in an area of such high traffic allowing more green travel is huge! Walking and biking are popular ways to get to the pool and the other businesses in the area so catering to those people is important to us. Providing safe means to do so is just as important! Bike lanes provide a place for bicyclers that leaves the sidewalks clear for those walking and is safer than the car lane.

 A roundabout is also going to be put in at Parkway and South Boulevard. Roundabouts have been shown to be more efficient and safer when used properly. Check out this study that was done by Myth Busters showing the increased efficiency Roundabout Vs. Four way! The data is certainly convincing, and I don't know about you, but getting to where you're going faster sounds great!!! (I did mention properly so if you aren't sure about how they work follow this link Wisconsin DOT How to drive a roundabout and it will let you know.) 

While it is meant in jest the "Pardon our Potholes" sign is very accurate and we are all excited to see them go. Along with a pothole free road we get new curbs and sidewalks too. Wooohoo! We know this project is a big undertaking in a very central part of town. Remember the purpose is never, nor will it ever be, to inconvenience you, in fact, we are really sorry that has to be a part of the project. If you have any concerns or ideas that could help the project run more smoothly post them below or send us an email at sblvdbaraboo and we will take a look. Keeping the lines of communication open is my part of the project so please, let us know!

- A.W.

We have a Facebook Page!

We have a Facebook page check us out! 

South Boulevard Construction Project

Facebook.com/South Boulevard Construction Project

Public Meeting for Construction of South Boulevard in the City of Baraboo Happening Soon!

Public Meeting for WIS 123, Sauk County

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Southwest Region is announcing a public involvement meeting to discuss the upcoming construction of South Boulevard in the city of Baraboo.  The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Baraboo Civic Center Room 14, 124 2^nd Street.

The proposed improvements include reconstruction of South Boulevard (WIS 123) from US 12 to Lynn Avenue.  Also, a roundabout is being constructed to replace the existing intersection of South Boulevard and WIS 123. The project will be constructed in three stages. Stages one and two are currently scheduled to start July 7 and end in November. Stage three is currently scheduled to start April 2015 and end May 2015.

The contractor, WisDOT, and the city of Baraboo will have staff available to present the construction work schedule, traffic control, answer questions, and provide other general project information as it relates to the construction of South Boulevard in the city of Baraboo. 

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting.  If you are unable to attend the meeting or would like more information contact Jeremy Krachey, WisDOT Project Manager, at  Jeremy.krachey@dot.wi.gov or by phone at (608) 789-5702. 

-Wisconsin Department of Transportation-

Article from: City of Baraboo, "News Scape"

Vol XIV, Issue 29

Spring/ Summer 2014

The all "New" South Blvd. is coming!

With the long, cold winter finally coming to an end, we can look forward to South Blvd being reconstructed this summer, from Lynn Avenue to US highway 12. The project plans were started several years ago and the City was fortunate to obtain a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation last year that will pay approximately 80% of the project cost.  Actual construction will begin in July and the new roadway should be complete by mid-November.  If Mother Nature cooperates, the landscaping could be completed as well.  If not, the landscaping will be finished up in the spring of 2015. 

Highlights of the project include new LED street lights, on-street bike lanes, widening of the roadway, sidewalks, and a roundabout at the intersection of South Blvd and Parkway.  These features will make this corridor a true gateway to Baraboo and a much safer road too.

Access will be maintained to all of the businesses along the corridor throughout construction.  There will be an official detour route during construction but traffic will be allowed to travel one-way along the corridor, in an eastbound direction, between Industrial Court and Lynn Avenue, throughout the project.  

As with all road construction projects, there will be some inconveniences but we will try our best to minimize them.  We encourage everyone to use caution when traveling in or near the construction area.   Finally, we ask for your patience and indulgence during this reconstruction project.

Information

After more than ten years of planning, the City of Baraboo is pleased to announce that we have secured funding for the reconstruction of South Boulevard. Construction is currently slated to begin June 30^th, 2014 and should be substantially complete by November 14, 2014.  It has been a long planning process and we are very thankful for the funding from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The project includes new curb & gutter and sidewalk on both sides of the street, on-street parking, and an on-street bike lane in each direction.  A local detour route that avoids the construction zone has been established but we do plan to maintain a single lane of traffic on South Blvd. in the eastbound direction throughout the construction period.  Maintaining access to the businesses on South Blvd. is a high priority.   

We need your help to make this construction project run smoothly!  Our goal is to establish a communication network that you will be able to use during the construction to obtain updates and comments about the progress of the project.  As is the case with any reconstruction project, especially one of this magnitude, adjoining property owners will be inconvenienced but we will make every effort to minimize the inconvenience.