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Presentation by Engineering Division of preliminary design alternatives for the reconstruction of North Avenue from Met-To-Wee Lane to 73rd Street, including replacing two bridges over the Menomonee River
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Submitted by:
Jeni Schroeder, PE
Department:
DPW, Engineering Division
A. Issue
Presentation by Engineering Division of preliminary design alternatives for the reconstruction of North Avenue from Met-To-Wee Lane to 73rd Street, including replacing two bridges over the Menomonee River prior to the first Public Involvement Meeting (PIM). This work is included in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Project 1127 for the roadway & Project 2301 for the bridges.
B. Background/Options
The purpose of this project is to address the deteriorated pavement condition, structural deficiencies, aged public utilities, known safety and operational issues and substandard bike and pedestrian facilities within the subject section of W. North Avenue.
GRAEF was retained in February 2024 to perform design services for the reconstruction of North Avenue from Met-To-Wee Lane to 73rd Street, including replacing two bridges over the Menomonee River. (The project excludes the intersection of Wauwatosa Avenue which will be reconstructed as part of a separate WisDOT Connecting Highway project planned to be bid in 2029.)
GRAEF has developed a proposed bridge type over the Menomonee River, two alternatives for the east overflow structure, three alternatives for the intersection of Menomonee River Parkway and three alternatives for the cross section of North Ave from Swan Boulevard to N 73rd Street.
Alternatives for the intersection of Menomonee River Parkway
1) Single lane roundabout
2) Signalized intersection with SB island
3) Signalized intersection without islands
Alternatives for North Ave from Swan Boulevard to N 73rd Street
1) On street Bike Lanes with parking on one side
2) Separated Bike Lanes with parking on one side
3) Two-way cycle track with parking on one side
The adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Plan outlined a network of infrastructure improvements to facilitate safe, convenient travel for all users of the right-of-way. This section of North Avenue is designated to have bike lanes in the plan. This project was presented to the Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Committee for discussion at their September 30th, 2024, meeting.
The first Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) will be held on October 22nd, 2024 at the Wauwatosa Public Library in the Firefly Room from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, with a short presentation at 5:30pm.
This project it is currently scheduled for construction in 2027 and 2028, but is subject to future DOT funding and scheduling.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2 - Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 1 - Optimize infrastructure to handle 100-year weather events.
Priority 3: Infrastructure, Goal 2 - Ensure the City’s infrastructure supports public health through multi-modal transportation and recreation opportunities.
D. Fiscal Impact
All alternatives will have similar costs.
This project is partially funded through WisDOT’s Local Bridge Program and Surface Transportation Program - Urban. Eligible project costs are funded 80% federal and 20% local in each.
E. Recommendation
This item is for informational purposes only, no Committee action is needed tonight.
As part of WisDOT’s environmental process, public comment is taken into consideration when selecting a preferred alternative, but the type of bike and pedestrian facilities to provide along North Avenue is a policy decision. Staff is looking for comments on the alternatives.
After we receive public input at the first PIM, staff will make a recommendation as to a selected alternative which will be brought back to this committee prior to the second PIM which is expected to be held in early 2025.