There is a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) statewide initiative and transition plan to bring existing curb ramps on state facilities into compliance with standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Below is a list of curb ramp upgrade projects planned for WisDOT's Northeast Region. These projects are needed because most of the existing curb ramps within the project limits do not meet current ADA standards.
Location
WIS 23/28/42, city of Sheboygan, Sheboygan County, Wis.
Overview
A curb ramp is a sloping pedestrian way, intended for pedestrian traffic, which provides access between a pedestrian walkway to a surface located above or below an adjacent curb face. Curb ramps are built on all public roadway facilities to provide access for all pedestrians including those with physical and visual disabilities. Curb ramps are sometimes referred to as “curb cuts”. Below are sample images of curb ramps:
Project purpose
The purpose of this project is to address curb ramp deficiencies along 8.77 miles of WIS 23, WIS 28, and WIS 42 by installing and updating curb ramps to meet ADA compliance when possible. This will remove or reduce obstacles and barriers to pedestrian travel.
Each curb ramp location will be investigated to verify if the curb ramps meet current ADA standards. Any curb ramps included in the project not meeting ADA standards will be evaluated and, if possible, will be removed and replaced so they are compliant with ADA standards. Those existing ramps that cannot be made compliant for various reasons will be constructed to be as compliant as possible.
The proposed action will address the following curb ramp deficiencies:
- Lack of detectable warning fields
- Flares, level landing areas, longitudinal and cross slopes, and curb ramp geometry that do not meet current ADA requirements.
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NOTE: Not all curb ramps will be affected by this project.
The below detailed maps show proposed specific locations of curb ramp upgrades. Please note that all impacts associated with this project will be very minor to the traveling public and property owners abutting the work.
Traffic Impacts
WIS 28, WIS 42 and WIS 23 will remain OPEN during work. This project will have little impact on motorists.
During construction, there may be temporary lane closures that are short in length and needed near the curb ramp that is being constructed for temporary pedestrian access in construction work areas.
- Sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours will be required.
Pedestrian detour lengths will be minimized by not allowing construction at adjacent intersections to take place at the same time. Temporary pedestrian sidewalks and curb ramps may be utilized to allow for reasonable pedestrian access at all times.
Real Estate
Additional right of way will be required for this project. Temporary limited easements (TLEs) will be necessary at most of the curb ramp locations to accommodate the construction of the new curb ramps. TLEs will be needed to allow for minor grading to blend slopes and match the work into existing yards. TLEs may also be acquired to allow room for temporary pedestrian accommodations during construction.
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A member of the project team will contact you if your property is affected.
- WisDOT expects to begin real estate acquisition in winter 2024.
Some curb ramp locations will require minor fee title acquisition (Fee Simple). In these areas, it may be necessary to place a new sidewalk outside the existing right of way to complete the new curb ramp construction.
Project Schedule
- Local officials meeting - October 2023
- Preliminary plans - June 2023
- Environmental document – Winter 2023/2024
- Final Right of Way Plat - Fall 2024
- Real estate negotiations – Fall 2024 through Fall 2026
- Final plans - Fall 2026
- Construction is currently scheduled for 2028
Comment
Property owners and business owners within the project limits have been sent project information and a comment form with a prepaid mailer. Comments are due by November 30, 2023, to be considered for design. You can provide comments by three different methods:
Contacts
Your input is welcome and appreciated throughout the design process. Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled persons should contact the Wisconsin Relay Service by dialing 711. For more information, please contact:
Ryan Erdmann, P.E. WisDOT Project Manager
944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 492-3517
Email:
ryand.erdmann@dot.wi.gov