STH 23 Improvements: USH 151 to Taft Road
2024 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: GRAEF
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
STH 23 has long been a major safety and flow concern for the area and the state. Increasing traffic demand mixed with a plethora of different use conditions, ranging from rural stretches to school drop-off and into an urban setting. The corridor was in dire need of a smart design solution.
GRAEF’s primary focus was safety. The new, wider 4-lane highway replaces dangerous at-grade crossings with two interchanges to reduce conflicts and potential accidents. A parallel roadway was introduced, improving overall safety. Roundabouts were added to facilitate traffic flow. They are larger than normal to accommodate oversize and overweight vehicles, including massive wind turbine transportation.
Significant attention was paid to the corridor at St. Mary's Springs Academy, where a new interchange was added to increase school safety. Off-street bicycle and pedestrian accommodations were integrated as well. The design team upgraded the corridor to modern design standards and added new grading to address stormwater concerns.
The safer and more accessible thoroughfare solves longstanding safety and environmental issues while enhancing the overall travel experience.