As a multi-year traffic realignment project winds down, the city of Viroqua completed one the last remaining hurdles in the project, which was to activate the traffic lights at the intersection of Main and South Streets today. The lights are one two sets of lights downtown and are intended to replace the lights that were removed from the Jefferson Street intersection last year.
The new lights will be controlled by microwave cameras that can detect traffic patterns and adjust to traffic flow. The relocation of lights was part of a plan that was intended to accomplish of number of goals including reducing downtown backups between South Street and Decker Steet, increase pedestrian safety and reduce rear end collisions. Other changes to help achieve those goals included switching from four lanes to three, adding curb “bump outs” to slow traffic and help pedestrians, and the addition of flashing pedestrian beacons at key intersections. The switching of side streets to a one way pattern was also added to eliminate left-hand turns downtown.
City Engineer Sarah Grainger asks that motorists have patience while the new signal is programmed and adjusts for traffic patterns over time.
Grainger said other parts of the project are nearing completion was well. Current traffic lane closures for work at East Court and Terhune will remain in effect until late next week. Therefore, lane closures will continue from north of Court to South Street. Also, both East Court and East Terhune will be closed at Main. Storm sewer work should be completed today.
Wednesday through Monday crews will be pouring the last of the concrete on the project bumpouts, cross walks and some patches. If all goes well all streets will be open and in the final configuration as of the end of next week.
The last step is line painting, remaining signs, and restoration of any disturbed areas which should be started as soon as late next week.
We are also doing concrete repairs in front of the bus garage on south Main in the southbound lanes. Traffic will be shifted over to the western side of the street for the duration of the repairs. This patch should be poured tomorrow.
Grainger said you can also expect lane closures near the Fairgrounds as early as tomorrow (Wednesday) for the sewer project happening in the area, in the same format, with traffic traveling on the west side. It is construction season! All of these closures should be wrapped up in two to three weeks.
Important information about the project is available at the construction webpage on the City website at https://cms2.revize.com/revize/viroqua/business_detail_T3_R9.php. If you have any questions, wish to set up an appointment to discuss sight specific needs one or one, or want to provide your email to receive these updates, feel free to contact Grainer at 608-637-2937 or sgrainger@viroqua-wisconsin.com.
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