​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of investigating potential improvements on 1.4 miles of US 141 in the village of Crivitz, Marinette County. The purpose of this website is to provide the traffic and crash history data on this stretch of roadway, present information regarding the improvement concept under consideration, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.​

​Project location

This project is located on US 141 from Owl Lane to S Junction Old Hwy 141 in the village of Crivitz in Marinette County, Wis.

• View project location in map

Project purpose and need

High crash rates, coupled with safety and operational deficiencies, are the primary needs along US 141 in Crivitz.

• Safety
• Highway in project limits ranks among the top 5% of injury crash rates for similar highways in Wisconsin.
• 79 crashes in 5-year study period (2016-2020).
• 25 percent, or one out of every four crashes, resulted in injuries.
• US 141 and South Street, and US 141 and County W intersections study noted left turns as the contributing factor.​

• Operational deficiencies
• The roadway exhibits operational shortcomings, particularly at two US 141 intersections – South Street and County W.
• The intersection at South Street is stop controlled on the side road only and has no designated turn lanes on US 141 for vehicles to store.
• The intersection at County W is signalized, but also has no designated turn lanes on US 141 or a left turn arrow phase.
• Queues can form quickly during peak periods, especially during peaks for seasonal weekend and holiday travel, because it can be difficult to find adequate gap.

Proposed safety improvement - Road Diet

A “road diet” consists of converting a four-lane roadway with two lanes each direction to a three-lane roadway (one in each direction plus a center left-turn lane).

• The road diet concept reduces the number of vehicle conflict points which has been shown to decrease the number and severity of crashes.
• View information handout: Road Diets, FHWA (pdf with graphics)
• View information handout: Road Diets, Myths, FHWA (pdf with graphics)
• The roadway in Crivitz would be restriped as a 3-lane roadway with a two-way left turn lane (TWLTL).

• Dedicated left turn lanes would be provided at the intersections of US 141 and South Street and US 141 and County W.
• View US 141 project display exhibit

Benefits of proposed improvements​

The proposed improvements provides motorists a separate left turn lane for all access points along the project route. Converting the current roadway to a three-lane roadway with a dedicated left-turn lane would provide:

• Crash Reduction
• Left turning vehicles removed from through traffic lane... which reduces the potential for rear end crashes.
• Weaving vehicles attempting to avoid stopped/slowing vehicles are eliminated... which reduces the potential for sideswipe crashes.
• Left turning vehicles from side roads/driveways can store in median to make a turn in two stages.
• Fewer lanes of on-coming traffic for turning maneuvers reduces potential crash points.
• ​​Eliminates through traffic vehicles using additional lane as a passing lane.
• ​​TWLTL allows local traffic safer access to businesses and the local roadway network.
• TWLTL naturally creates traffic calming which in turn reduces speeds.
• Maintains capacity
• TWLTL handles approximately 16,000 vehicles per day (VPD).
• The average daily traffic along US 141 in the village of Crivitz averaged 8,800 VPD to a summer peak of 11,000 VPD.
• Improves riding surface
• ​Riding surface leading up to the railroad crossing will be resurfaced, resulting in a smoother roadway for motorists, less wear on vehicles, extended pavement life and decreased maintenance costs.

Traffic impacts

US 141 is expected to remain open during the majority of construction utilizing lane closures and flagging operations. Access to businesses and properties would be maintained during construction.

Schedule

• Local Official/Public Coordination - Ongoing
  
• ​View PowerPoint Presentation from February 1, 2023 PIM​
  
• Environmental Document Completion - Fall 2023
• Final Design Completion - Winter 2024
• Construction (currently scheduled) - Spring 2025

Real estate

The real estate and right-of-way needs for the project will be better defined during the design phase of the project.

Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program

WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business, organizations and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on:

• Planning ahead
• Staying informed
• Keeping customers informed
• Tips for businesses
• Visit WisDOT’s In This Together website at www.wisconsindot.gov/Together​

Public input/comments

Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community and are welcomed​ and appreciated. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by March 1, 2023 to be considered during design.

• Fill out the comment form attached to the project handout below. Includes a prepaid mailer.
• Download US 141 Project Public Handout with comment form
• Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
• Call the contacts below.

Project contacts

​Kurt Vogel, P.E.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 362-1732
Email: kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov