Project Location
WIS 23 proposed project corridor is approximately 1.5 miles total with limits between Union Street to Douglas Street in Ripon, Wisconsin. The project is broken into two sections.
- Section 1 is located on West Fond du Lac Street from Union Street to Jackson Street and on Jackson Street from West Fond Lac Street to Blackburn Street.
- Section 2 is located on East Fond du Lac Street from Metomen Street to east of Douglas Street.
- The segment of the WIS 23 corridor between Sections 1 and 2 from Blackburn Street to Metomen Street is not included with this proposed project as it was improved in 2006.
WIS 23 is known locally as West Fond du Lac Street, East Jackson Street, Blackburn Street, and East Fond du Lac Street.
Proposed improvements
The purpose of the project is to restore the ride quality of the existing deteriorated pavement and upgrade other roadway deficiencies on WIS 23 through the city of Ripon.
WisDOT has created a public involvement handout, plan view exhibit, and typical roadway cross section exhibits for your review. Please feel free to download, print, and share with anyone who does not have access to the website.
Alternatives under consideration
- No Build would make no improvements to WIS 23. This alternative would continue to provide routine maintenance by patching the deteriorating pavement, filling potholes, and maintaining the pavement markings.
- Rehabilitation would include partial and full depth concrete pavement repair and patching to address pavement deficiencies like transverse cracking and heaving. The new pavement surface would eliminate the rough surface and would be expected to extend the service life of WIS 23 between 5 and 10 years. Curb ramps at intersections would be reconstructed and new curb ramps installed where needed to bring the corridor into ADA compliance. No improvements to non-motorized mobility would be made but bicycles would continue to be allowed to share the roadway with vehicles.
- Pavement Replacement would include concrete pavement replacement from back of curb to back of curb with potential for sidewalk improvements. Curb ramps at intersections would be reconstructed and new curb ramps installed where needed to bring the corridor into ADA compliance. The existing at-grade railroad crossing will be evaluated for safety, signal and crossing improvements. The Douglas Street intersection will be evaluated for safety and operational improvements. The project would be undertaken concurrently with a municipal project replacing sanitary sewer and water systems within the proposed project right of way. The pavement replacement alternative will also evaluate the potential inclusion of bike lanes in the final roadway typical section.
All build alternatives will include the following benefits:
- Provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting in less wear on vehicles.
- Decreased annual maintenance costs for the city saving taxpayer dollars.
- Improved accessibility for pedestrians by bringing the curb ramps into compliance with ADA standards.
The pavement replacement alternative provides opportunities for:
- Replacement of the aging underground utilities prior to roadway paving
- Safety improvements at the at-grade railroad crossing
- Safety and operational improvements at intersection of Douglas Street
- Improved bike and pedestrian accommodations.
Proposed schedule
- Investigation and evaluation of alternatives: 2024 - 2025
- Public Involvement Meeting #2: Winter 2025/2026
- Environmental document approved: Fall 2026
- Final Design: 2026 – 2029
- Real Estate Acquisition (if needed): 2027 - 2028
- Utility Relocations: 2029
- Roadway construction currently scheduled in 2030
Proposed traffic impacts:
The impacts to traffic depend upon the alternative selected for construction.
- The No Build alternative would require lane closures to facilitate the work in the roadway.
- The Rehabilitation alternate would require lane closures and potentially a short-term closure with a detour to facilitate the work in the roadway.
- The Pavement Replacement alternative would require a long-term closure and detour during construction.
- Access to businesses and properties would be maintained during construction.
- A pedestrian detour would be marked to accommodate pedestrian access that is impacted by construction activities at the curb ramps and on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Real estate process
Real estate and right-of-way needs depend on the alternative selected. The real estate needs of the project will be better defined as the alternatives are developed and evaluated during this phase of the project.
In This Together program for businesses
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones have special needs. It's critical that customers have access to businesses and that they continue to visit them, regardless of any road work inconvenience. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. On the In This Together, businesses can find:
Specially designed Business Coordination Guide for businesses to succeed during a highway construction project, includes information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Case studies that demonstrate techniques that have been successfully used in communities throughout Wisconsin.
- Promotional samples showing a variety of examples of how businesses have promoted their businesses during construction.
During construction, temporary signing for business will be available. While signing and other marketing/advertising during the construction is up to the business, WisDOT encourages businesses to use the resources above to assist them with planning for construction before the construction begins.
Project contacts
Ryan Erdmann, P.E., Project Manager
WisDOT Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 492-3517
Ryand.erdmann@dot.wi.gov