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US 53 Corridor Preservation Study - frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are you planning to convert US 53 to a freeway?

As stated earlier, this study does not provide any funding to physically convert US 53. The study only establishes the plan and official map that preserves the land necessary to ultimately implement the vision of US 53.

There are a number of possible future visions for US 53, one of which is a freeway. Other visions include intelligent traffic system and expressway enhancements and/or modifications. While it is likely that some segments of US 53 will be designed to a freeway standard, WisDOT cannot predict at this time whether all segments will become freeways or when that might actually happen.

When might improvements be made?

Without a completed study it is almost impossible for project dollars to be obtained since there would be no specific plan in place to justify project dollars. Thus, the study is the first requisite step in even being able to compete for actual construction funding.

How might this plan affect agricultural operations, emergency services, and other public services such as school bus routes?

WisDOT recognizes that the study must also examine the local transportation network to safely balance the access and mobility needs of the area. This includes looking at current agricultural, emergency services, and other public services such as bus routes.

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The study team will also be in direct contact with representatives of all these concerns and will make every attempt to accommodate their needs and desires within the final highway plan. In many cases, access can be improved or at least maintained to current levels. However, it must also be understood that one of the impacts of freeway/expressway conversion is the replacement of direct private and public access points with selective interchange locations and overpasses. This in all likelihood will require some traffic patterns to be altered to achieve access to US 53 or over US 53.

How can I get involved and stay informed?

Public meetings will offer opportunities for you to provide early input on the study needs and issues. A mailing database has been developed for this study. To be included in this mailing see the 'Mailing list' information below. If you currently receive this mailing, you are already included in our mailing database.

Mailing list

If you currently do not receive our mailing or know of others who wish to be included, please contact Marc Bowker.

Comment on alternatives

To comment on any or all of the alternatives send an e-mail to Marc Bowker.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Contact Chris Ouellette, chris.ouellette@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: November 12, 2008