39th Avenue Roundabout
| The 39th Avenue and Springbrook Road intersection corridor needed significant improvements for pedestrian safety as well as a welcoming access point for the community’s future downtown area. Benesch led the construction management services for this innovative Local Programs project which included: a new roundabout; a 10-foot-wide multi-use path; new oversized bike and parking lanes; and more.
Many key challenges and solutions paved this project’s unique path. To accommodate ongoing access for emergency vehicles, sidewalk completion was postponed until the project ended so sidewalks could be used as side roads in emergencies. Benesch also maintained consistent communication with the Village, various utility providers, stakeholders, surrounding residents and businesses. Significant utility conflicts and potential schedule delays were resolved through this extensive coordination. During construction, irregular shapes and variable widths within the roundabout and on connecting roadways made paving challenging. Using a laser screed machine to pave resolved this issue and saved time, money and effort. In fact, this is one of the first Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) projects to use this innovative technique. Environmental challenges, including the protection of a local stream, were minimized by constructing a rock check dam to prevent impacts from excavation. The roundabout provides sidewalks/multi-use path that ties into the existing sidewalk south of the project at STH 165, where WisDOT previously constructed a roundabout intersection. Through proactive management of the contractor and schedule and use of innovative construction techniques, this project was completed on schedule and under budget. The overall project provides much-needed connectivity in the community and serves as a safe, sustainable and welcoming gateway to the Village of Pleasant Prairie’s future downtown district. |
