The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements at the US 151 and Irish Road intersection in the City of Chilton, Calumet County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location
The intersection of US 151 and Irish Road is located on the eastern side of the city of Chilton, Calumet County. The following map shows the approximate project limits.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to improve vehicle safety at the intersection of US 151 and Irish Road. There are a number of crashes at the intersection, particularly right-angle crashes.
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Eleven crashes occurred at the intersection from 2018 to 2022 and 82 percent of these crashes were right-angle crashes.
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The wide five-lane cross section of US 151 at the Irish Road intersection creates long crossing distances and likely contributes to the right-angle crash trend.
US 151 transitions to a two-lane cross section directly east of the Irish Road intersection. Design year traffic volumes on US 151 at the intersection are below 5,000 vehicles per day. A four-lane cross section is typically warranted when roadway volumes reach 16,000 vehicles per day, meaning the traffic volumes through the US 151 and Irish Road intersection do not support the need for four through lanes.
HSIP Safety Funding
Due to the severe crash history, this project qualified for federal Highway Safety Improvement funding, meaning it is in the top 5 percent of worst-performing intersections in the state for crash data. Roundabout controlled intersections have significantly fewer conflict points... meaning you are less likely to become involved in a serious, right-angle crash.
Proposed improvements
This is an intersection safety improvement project. The proposed action is to reconstruct the intersection as a single-lane roundabout. Other work includes:
- New concrete and asphalt pavement
- Replacement of existing sidewalk with an 8-foot path at the roundabout
- Upgrade lighting at the intersection
- Upgrade pedestrian crossings
- New pavement marking and signing
- Utility relocation
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View project improvement exhibit (pdf)
Anticipated benefits
Upon completion, the roundabout is anticipated to reduce crashes at the US 151 and Irish Road intersection, particularly right-angle crashes. The roundabout is also anticipated to reduce vehicle speeds on US 151 through the intersection.
Traffic Impacts
US 151 will remain OPEN to traffic during construction using lane closures during work.
- There will be closures on the Irish Road approaches to the intersection to complete the north and south legs of the intersections.
- Only one side or Irish Road will be allowed to close at a time. There are nearby local routes that will be able to provide local resident and business access during these closures.
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Access to businesses, properties and emergency services will be maintained during construction.
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Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways. The contractor will be required to notify homeowners and businesses before construction.
Schedule
- Environmental document: May 2025
- Real estate acquisition is anticipated to begin early 2026
- Final design plans: August 2027
- Construction currently scheduled for 2028
Real estate
Right of way and/or temporary limited easements will be required to accommodate the roundabout geometrics and grading. WisDOT plans to begin real estate acquisition in 2026. If your property is affected, a member of the real estate team will contact you.
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 businesses, 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
WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at
www.wisconsindot.go/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. Please submit comments by April 11, 2025 to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the Project Public Handout below and mail to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Kristen E. Berg, P.E., WisDOT Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 492-0139
Email:
Kristen.berg@dot.wi.gov