US 53 Preservation Study public information meeting Nov. 13

November 4, 2008

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northwest Region is conducting a public information meeting regarding the US 53 Preservation Study from WIS 70 near Spooner to 0.75 miles north of Schnagl Road in Washburn County. Communities in the study area include the towns of Brooklyn, Spooner, Trego and the city of Spooner. The meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Spooner Agriculture Research Center, W6646 Highway 70.

A brief presentation will begin at 6 p.m. The remainder of the meeting will follow an open house format. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the study and obtain input on the alternatives. Exhibits will be on display and attendees will be given the opportunity to provide written or verbal comments. WisDOT staff will also be on hand to answer questions.

The US 53 Preservation Study will include an alternative study, environmental assessment and preliminary engineering along the existing four-lane expressway. Construction funding has not been programmed, but the study is necessary to preserve the necessary right-of-way. WisDOT is conducting the study now to ensure long-term options are not precluded as land use changes along the corridor over time and to help the communities plan in a way that will be compatible with future access changes.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, or would like more information, contact project manager Marc Bowker at (715) 635-4975.  Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Marc Bowker at WisDOT, 718 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701.  Citizens who are hearing-impaired and who require an interpreter may request one by contacting Marc Bowker at the above number at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay system (dial 711).

For more information, contact:
Chris Ouellette, Regional Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, chris.ouellette@dot.state.wi.us 

Marc Bowker, Project Manager
(715) 225-9306, marc.bowker@dot.state.wi.us