US 12 at Fort Atkinson study

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Environmental Impact Statement

US 12 corridor study at Fort Atkinson

US 12 is classified as a Corridors 2020 Connector Highway and is also part of the National Highway System. Connector routes are vital links for regional traffic within the state’s overall roadway system. Regional trips are those that pass through, but are not destined for, a given location such as the City of Fort Atkinson. The portion of US 12 within the City of Fort Atkinson, must also act as a local street. Local trips begin and/or end somewhere within the city and involve turns on and off US 12 as well as parking maneuvers parallel to through traffic. As volumes of both types of traffic increased, the ability of US 12 within Fort Atkinson to efficiently serve these two conflicting uses has declined.

In March 2001, WisDOT officials initiated the US 12 corridor study with a Needs Assessment that identified existing transportation problems along the corridor in and near Fort Atkinson. Three primary reasons to further investigate improvement options for the US 12 corridor surfaced:

Regional mobility inefficiency
Safety and congestion problems
Public support for improvements

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WisDOT then initiated an environmental impact study that investigated a wide variety of alternatives that might address identified problems. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published in December 2005. The DEIS outlined the purpose and need for improvements, several alternative courses of action and their potential environmental effects. The DEIS was circulated for public and agency review and comments were gathered.

A Value Planning study team concluded a southern bypass route would be needed in the future to address the stated purpose and needs. This team also recommended another version of a southern bypass alignment, named Concept J, be considered. More detailed study of Concept J, completed in early 2008, concluded that this alternative would create more impacts, conflict with improved WIS 26 and cost more than either DEIS bypass option. Concept J has been eliminated from further consideration. The analysis and supportive evidence for elimination of this alternative from further study is in keeping with or greater than the level of analysis and evidence that served as the basis for elimination of other alternatives considered and dismissed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Concept J Technical Study Memo (475 KB)

Before further consideration of the alternatives, WisDOT reevaluated the original traffic analysis, which was conducted earlier in the study in 2001. Traffic projections were revised using newer counts and an updated traffic model.

After considering the agency and public comments and considering the potential impacts and benefits, WisDOT decided on a multi-step approach to address the current and future needs of US 12 in the study area. This approach recognizes that a bypass will be needed in the foreseeable future. In the interim, various improvements will be made to the existing 2-lane route that will focus on safety, pavement and congestion problems, and extending the life of the existing US 12 for as long as possible. The approach also recognizes that in the meantime the location of the necessary future right of way should be identified and preserved. This can be accomplished through the Official Mapping process. Read about WisDOT’s proposed approach in the frequently asked questions (FAQ's).

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A Final EIS is scheduled for publication in 2009. This document will contain responses to the DEIS comments, selection of a single southern bypass alternative based on additional study of several issues, and a description of proposed interim improvements to existing US 12.

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Photo of traffic congestion on US 12 at Lexington Boulevard.

New urban growth has led to higher traffic volumes at the Lexington Boulevard intersection on US 12.