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.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.
How will pedestrians get across south boulevard by the swimming pool? There is a lot of foot traffic there during the school year. Weekends also add to the traffic flow.
ReplyDeleteDear Dad is charge,
ReplyDeleteWe are in the process of looking at alternative routes for those walking to school this fall to avoid having to cross the construction zone. As for this summer it will be up to patrons utilizing the pool to use caution when crossing South Boulevard.