Who is conducting the US 53 and US 14/61 Study?
The US 53 and US14/61 Study (the Study) is currently being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Southwest Region and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Why is this study being done?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to accumulate an approved environmental document before the Study can be moved into a project and implemented into final design and construction.
The goal of the Study is to evaluate the existing corridor for ways to identify opportunities for enhancing safety and operational efficiency while maintaining a state of good repair of existing bridges and pavement.
The Study will evaluate various users’ existing and future needs, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit. US 53 and US 14/61 currently serve as main throughways in La Crosse for freight, commuters, and residents. It plays a critical role in both the regional and local economies. Given the frequency of accidents and the deteriorating condition of the road, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting this study to ensure the corridor's sustainability for the future.
Why was the previous study postponed? How is this study different from the previous studies?
In November 2017, the previous study was postponed while WisDOT re-evaluated planning priorities statewide. In December of 2021, the La Crosse Study was approved to study new alternatives focusing on safety and operations improvements and pavement and bridge maintenance on the existing corridor. This Study will focus on improvements to the existing corridor.
Information completed during the previous study will be utilized in the new studies to the extent practicable. New alternatives will be developed for this study.
What are the Study limits?
The Study includes the US 53 corridor from WIS 16 (Cass Street) in downtown La Crosse to I-90 on the north side of La Crosse, as well as US 14/61 from WIS 35 (West Avenue) to WIS 16 (Cass Street) in La Crosse. The study is surrounded by the central business district of downtown La Crosse and includes two sets of one-way traffic pair roadways.
When will the Study be completed?
The Study is anticipated to be completed at the end of 2025 with the finalization of the Environmental Document, which will specify the preferred alternative.
When will the public have opportunities to provide input?
Throughout the Study, there will be continuous opportunities for public involvement and input. WisDOT will organize public involvement meetings (PIMs) and various smaller meetings with local officials, neighborhoods, and business groups. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during these meetings or share their thoughts at any time with the WisDOT Project Manager, Michelle Howe, whose contact information is provided at the end of this document. Additionally, committees will be formed, including the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and Local Official Advisory Committee (LOAC), which will convene regularly throughout the Study.
What are the different committees for the Study?
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The CAC gives the WisDOT team an avenue to share study information and obtain feedback from community leaders and businesses along the corridor. This committee will provide a setting for members to provide feedback about the Study’s communications approach, design needs, corridor issues, and environmental concerns and needs. The CAC includes large employers, neighborhood associations, and business groups who can easily share study information with their employees and members.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Local and regional transportation and planning professionals including municipal Department of Public Works and planning and staff, metropolitan planning organization staff and law enforcement comprise the TAC. This committee will provide technical input on study aspects including needs, alternatives development and screening and any information specific to the jurisdictions the members represent.
Local Official Advisory Committee (LOAC)
Local and elected officials from the state, counties, cities, villages, other municipalities, and government agencies within the corridor will make up the LOAC. This committee will provide an opportunity for local leadership input on the study aspects, including the need for the study, alternatives development, and environmental impacts and benefits. The committee also provides valuable information about the study that local officials can share with their constituents and stakeholders.
How can I get involved in the process and stay involved?
Stay informed about the Study by joining WisDOT's mailing and email lists. Sign up on the Study website or contact the WisDOT project manager, Michelle Howe, to receive future updates. Contact information is provided at the end of this document.
For additional information about the US 53 and US 14/61 Corridor Study, visit the WisDOT website at: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/533516-lacrosse/us53us1461.aspx
When would construction begin?
There are currently no scheduled construction activities. Depending on funding availability and timing to complete the environmental process, construction along this corridor is anticipated to take place in the late 2020s.
Are construction costs known at this time?
Construction costs are not determined at this time. Alternatives will be developed as part of the Study, leading to the identification of a preferred alternative. A preliminary cost estimate, based on the chosen alternative, will be developed and included in the environmental document for the corridor when it is published.
How are the proposed alternatives handling the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians as well as public transit?
The environmental document will consider and assess all surface transportation modes. WisDOT will identify bicycle and pedestrian needs along the corridor, aiming to address concerns where feasible. Collaboration with municipalities and neighborhoods will help determine suitable bicycle and pedestrian solutions. WisDOT will maintain ongoing coordination with Municipal Transit (MTU) and municipalities throughout the Study to find the most effective ways to integrate transit improvements into the proposed alternatives.
How is transit funded in the La Crosse area?
Public transportation in the La Crosse area is funded through a variety of sources, ensuring its sustainability and accessibility. These sources include passenger fares, local support from the City of La Crosse, service agreements with partners (such as the City of Onalaska), revenue generated through fare agreements with partners (e.g., UWL), federal grants, and state operating grants.
State operating funds for transit services are provided through the biennial state budget. It is important to note that WisDOT does not have the authority to allocate additional funds from the budget intended for highway programs to support additional transit programs. This limitation is outlined in Section 85.062(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
What are corridor traffic volumes along US 53 and US 14/61?
- Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes range from 17,900 to 29,500 vehicles per day.
- Forecasted 2050 AADT volumes range from 19,300 to 34,300 vehicles per day.
- Traffic volumes within the one-way pair sections, AADT volumes range from 8,700 to 16,000 vehicles per day. Forecasted 2050 AADT volumes within this stretch of US 53 & US 14/61 range from 9,300 to 18,100 vehicles per day.
- Traffic volumes are the highest at Cass Street and on the north side of the City between WIS 35 (George Street) and I-90.
How has the pandemic affected traffic? How is this incorporated into the Study?
During the pandemic, traffic volumes on US 53 and US 14/61 decreased but have since rebounded to nearly pre-pandemic levels. WisDOT will consistently monitor the pandemic's impact on traffic volumes and make adjustments to traffic analysis parameters as necessary.
Is WisDOT able to purchase right-of-way for bicycle accommodations?
WisDOT can acquire new right-of-way to incorporate bicycle accommodations into transportation projects if the current property owner is a willing seller. Negotiations for property acquisition would take place after the completion of the Study's environmental documentation, assuming the document is finalized, and the Study progresses to the final design phase.
Will there be any real estate acquisition, and when?
WisDOT will try to minimize real estate acquisitions whenever possible. The environmental document will evaluate real estate acquisitions for each alternative and these details will be discussed at public information meetings for the Study. Actual acquisitions for the preferred alternative would occur during the design phase after the Study is completed and approved for final design and construction.
Who do I contact with questions?
The WisDOT Project Manager for the Study is:
Michael Richardson
WisDOT Southwest Region
(608) 245-2667
michael.richardson@dot.wi.gov
Michael Bie
WisDOT Southwest Region Communications Manager
(608) 246-7928
michael.bie@dot.wi.gov