WIS 50 - Reconstruction and Modernization Project
2024 Engineering Excellence Best of State
Entering Firm: HNTB
Client: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
WIS 50 serves as a vital link through Walworth and Kenosha counties. Connecting residents to essential facilities and Lake Michigan's shores, the road lacked infrastructure supporting safe walking, bicycling and public transit. To address the area's growth and prepare for a multimodal future, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) initiated a major modernization effort.
A New Transportation Corridor
HNTB took on this ambitious project which was one of WisDOT's largest urban roadway constructions in two decades. The team first coordinated with a wide array of stakeholders, including two railroads, 22 utility companies, two municipalities, over 30 businesses and 250 property owners. The project team engaged in extensive coordination to address concerns promptly and comprehensively.
The completed project enhances access to hospitals, improves traffic flow in commercial areas and boosts regional mobility. The team prioritized safety and inclusivity, incorporating safer turning movements, expanded pedestrian accommodations and updated traffic signals.
Awards judge Tom Buchholz said “HNTB led a design team to a highly successful WIS 50 project that will provide Kenosha area residents a safe transportation facility well into future. The $130 million project is another example of the huge investment in transportation that will serve well into the future.”
Transportation Solutions for a Growing Population
The six-lane facility, complete with bike and pedestrian accommodations, a new school entrance, and improved hospital access, has garnered community approval, providing a safer and more efficient thoroughfare for users. The project exemplifies a successful transformation of critical infrastructure, ensuring its relevance for years to come.