Current Conditions
The 3.5-mile project corridor is a heavily traveled two-lane highway that serves as a critical connection between USH 312 (Eau Claire County) and STH 29 (Chippewa County). Currently, traffic volumes are over 7,600 vehicles per day, with a substantial percentage of heavy truck traffic. The corridor features 55 access points, contributing to congestion, safety concerns, and operational inefficiencies.
Anticipated Growth
Significant economic growth at the south end of the corridor is expected to continue expanding northward, further increasing traffic demands. Engineers project traffic volumes will rise to 16,000 vehicles per day within the next 10 years and reach 20,000 vehicles per day within 20 years. At these levels, the existing at-grade intersections will no longer operate efficiently or safely, leading to increased travel delays and crashes.
Proposed Improvements
To accommodate future traffic demands and enhance safety, the project team proposes upgrading the corridor to a four-lane divided highway. Key improvements include roundabout intersection controls to optimize traffic flow and improve safety, as well as dedicated bike and pedestrian accommodations to support multimodal transportation needs.