CTH H Reconstruction - Waupaca County
2026 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: Robert E. Lee & Associates Inc.
Client: Waupaca County Highway Department
Running along the scenic and environmentally sensitive Wolf River, CTH H in Waupaca County lacked a safe space for non-motorized users and did not meet current Wisconsin Department of Transportation standards. Steep slopes, private docks, and funding constraints made a traditional widening unacceptable to residents who feared losing river access.
Engineers protected the Wolf River while delivering a county highway with substantially improved safety.
The REL team engineered a creative solution that met all standards without acquiring new right-of-way. By subtly shifting the roadway away from the river, engineers created traversable slopes that satisfied clear-zone requirements while preserving access and views. The final cross-section incorporates 3-foot paved shoulders on both sides, providing safe accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists consistent with WisDOT design standards.
Working adjacent to the federally protected Wolf River, engineers applied rigorous environmental stewardship. An unexpected embankment failure prompted emergency stabilization and coordination, guiding long-term improvements that strengthened the roadway and protected the riverbank.
The completed project enhances safety, maintains cherished river access, and protects sensitive habitat. Through technical expertise and strong community engagement, the team transformed a once-controversial corridor into one broadly supported and better suited for all users. This project demonstrates how engineering innovation and community collaboration can reshape a challenging corridor into a safer, more accessible, and publicly supported roadway.