Based on its planning, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation hopes to have roundabouts in place at the intersections of Highway 42/57 and Michigan Street and 42/57 and Egg Harbor Road, in Sturgeon Bay, before the fourth of July in 2016. Representatives of the DOT joined city officials, Door County board supervisors, members of the Sevastopol Town Board, heads of law enforcement, fire and emergency services and the general public Wednesday morning at an informational meeting on the circular intersections. DOT Project Manager Jeremy Ashauer provided an historical overview of the state agency’s development of the roundabout plan, including a memorandum of understanding on the roadwork approved by the DOT, Door County and the city council. Ashauer said, for a variety of reasons, roundabouts at the two intersections was the best option…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/N1280.mp3|titles=Jeremy Ashauer]
Most of the questions fielded by the DOT during the meeting in the city council chambers had to do with access to the highway, traffic backups and resistance to the change from senior citizens. Ashauer said all input would be evaluated…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/N1282.mp3|titles=Jeremy Ashauer]
Speaking of input, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the matter of roundabouts along the busy highway at a public involvement meeting Tuesday in Sturgeon Bay. The rest of the timetable includes approval of an environmental report in the fall of this year and the beginning of right of way acquisition during the winter. In the spring of 2015 the final plans will be submitted and some construction work will be started in the fall of next year. As soon as possible, in the spring of 2016, work would commence, with construction complete in the summer of 2016.
