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US 53 Corridor Preservation Study - Minong Area (Lampson to Gordon)

The limits of the study extend along US 53 from 0.75 mile north of Schnagl Road, which is approximately 2.25 miles south of Lampson to the Wascott/Gordon Town line, a distance of approximately 20 miles. The study limits extend one mile east and west from US 53 and are located in Washburn and Douglas counties.

The purpose of the study is to develop a long-term vision for the corridor that would update its designation as a statutorily (Wis. Stats. 84.295) declared freeway/expressway. The study will officially map and thus preserve the future right-of-way footprint necessary to construct the improvements that would be needed. This study is critical to preserve the necessary right-of-way until such time that construction funds are ultimately obtained.

While this segment of US 53 is operating within its designed capacity limits, increasing traffic and development are creating spot operational and safety issues on the corridor. Most of these problem areas are located at higher volume at-grade (i.e. stop sign) intersections. One solution is to eliminate and selectively replace the at-grade intersections with one strategically located interchange near Trego. It would also entail other improvements throughout the corridor such as the construction of overpasses and cul-de-sacs, and developing a local transportation network to safely balance the access and mobility needs of the area.

A completed Corridor Preservation study will provide a blue-print by which local development can be planned and implemented in harmony with the operational demands of the highway.

US 53 is a backbone route in WisDOT’s Corridors 2020 Plan, and this segment of the corridor is part of the National Highway System (NHS). The plan places a high priority in protecting highway investments that connect major economic/population centers and carry long-distance, statewide traffic. Between 1969 and 2006, US 53 has experienced several capacity expansion and safety enhancements between La Crosse and Superior. These improvements represented significant investments by WisDOT.

The US 53 corridor has been recognized as an important route with the desire for conversion to a freeway/expressway initiated as early as the late 1960’s.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Contact Chris Ouellette, chris.ouellette@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: January 6, 2009