Does anybody have any new pictures of the new US 12 Baraboo Bypass yet? Say, for instance, the new bridges over the Baraboo River? Or how about new road signs on the bypass?
I'd love to see some pictures. Stupid Google Maps doesn't even show imprints of the roadway's construction.
If I make it to Minnesota this year, I will definitely drive through and get some pictures.
From a year ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVP1QEgWjdE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9zeU9IhLg
Also: http://www.channel3000.com/news/local-news/baraboo-bypass-enters-final-phase_20161215105148973/213856061
So when this bypass is complete, the only obstacle to completing a four-lane divided highway from Madison to the Dells along US 12 will be completing some sort of Sauk City bypass. I wonder if there will be a bottleneck in that area......
Also, is the project to realign the highway near the Badger Ammunition Plant (the S curve) still on track for next year?
Quote from: I-39 on June 25, 2017, 08:14:57 PM
So when this bypass is complete, the only obstacle to completing a four-lane divided highway from Madison to the Dells along US 12 will be completing some sort of Sauk City bypass. I wonder if there will be a bottleneck in that area......
Also, is the project to realign the highway near the Badger Ammunition Plant (the S curve) still on track for next year?
I suspect we'll see a proposal for a Sauk City bypass shortly after the moratorium lifts in 2020. It wouldn't surprise me to see the "S-Curve" alignment change happen in conjunction with that.
Quote from: US 12 fan on June 23, 2017, 11:12:36 AM
Does anybody have any new pictures of the new US 12 Baraboo Bypass yet? Say, for instance, the new bridges over the Baraboo River? Or how about new road signs on the bypass?
I have some construction pictures, not a lot and not great but it gives you a pretty good idea of progress on the southern part of the project. They were taken on Mothers Day. Nothing on the bridge though. It does look like it is pretty much complete.
I don't know how to get photos on to the forum. Can anyone help with that?
I believe a 2020 date for a Sauk City bypass proposal is optimistic. I was aware of the 2020 moratorium (established as part of the agreement to four-lane US 12 between Middleton and Sauk City). I, of course, am not opposed to a bypass of Sauk City (In fact, I'd like the entire US 12 corridor from Wisconsin Dells to Madison to be a minimum of four lanes). I'll keep tabs on the WISDOT website to see if such a study ever gets underway.
Seeing how long it takes from zero to construction, I think we'll start seeing the first steps not long after 2020. Even then you're probably looking at 10 years out before all the EIS and acquisition is done. It's not like they can start flipping shovels on 1/1/2020.
I think they are going to have problems fitting a Sauk City bypass in. The area where they'd have to build it is along the Wisconsin River and very marshy. To the north, there is a tone of development. It will be interesting to see what they end of doing (if anything, though I think they do something because the area will become a bottleneck soon after the Baraboo Bypass is complete).
Quote from: I-39 on June 25, 2017, 08:14:57 PM
So when this bypass is complete, the only obstacle to completing a four-lane divided highway from Madison to the Dells along US 12 will be completing some sort of Sauk City bypass. I wonder if there will be a bottleneck in that area......
Also, is the project to realign the highway near the Badger Ammunition Plant (the S curve) still on track for next year?
Well not quite there is still a section north of Sauk City that is still only 2 lanes. I would like to see the whole route 4 laned first before we start talking about any bypass for Sauk City.
Hwy 12 is 2 Lane from Lueders Rd. on the west edge of Sauk City to Co Hwy Z/Bus 12. Technically, Z is North of Sauk City but it would be relatively easy to 4 lane that stretch.
I don't think the DOT will widen the existing 2-lane sections of US 12 to 4-lanes anytime soon. Here is a link to a corridor study they completed in 2014, for the stretch of US 12 between Baraboo and Springfield Corners: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/12skihi19/default.aspx
Quote from: dvferyance on June 27, 2017, 02:23:02 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 25, 2017, 08:14:57 PM
So when this bypass is complete, the only obstacle to completing a four-lane divided highway from Madison to the Dells along US 12 will be completing some sort of Sauk City bypass. I wonder if there will be a bottleneck in that area......
Also, is the project to realign the highway near the Badger Ammunition Plant (the S curve) still on track for next year?
Well not quite there is still a section north of Sauk City that is still only 2 lanes. I would like to see the whole route 4 laned first before we start talking about any bypass for Sauk City.
The part from County Z/Business 12 south will likely be done when the Sauk City bypass is built, so they are kind of synonymous.
Quote from: I-39 on June 26, 2017, 07:16:43 PM
I think they are going to have problems fitting a Sauk City bypass in. The area where they'd have to build it is along the Wisconsin River and very marshy. To the north, there is a tone of development. It will be interesting to see what they end of doing (if anything, though I think they do something because the area will become a bottleneck soon after the Baraboo Bypass is complete).
I guess we will have to see. I am not convinced you are going to see huge increases in traffic through that corridor.
It would be best to identify now what r/w they will need for an eventual upgrade of the remaining two lane portion and the future Sauk City bypass. Particularly east of the WI River where there's bound to be more property impacts.
I imagine the bridging over the river and its large floodplain will be quite lengthy. Some of the land potentially impacted by a Sauk City bypass is part of the Lower Wisconsin River State Wildlife Area. More bridging will reduce those impacts somewhat, but I assume there will still be contention over it.
Quote from: dcharlie on June 26, 2017, 11:41:16 AM
Quote from: US 12 fan on June 23, 2017, 11:12:36 AM
Does anybody have any new pictures of the new US 12 Baraboo Bypass yet? Say, for instance, the new bridges over the Baraboo River? Or how about new road signs on the bypass?
I have some construction pictures, not a lot and not great but it gives you a pretty good idea of progress on the southern part of the project. They were taken on Mothers Day. Nothing on the bridge though. It does look like it is pretty much complete.
I don't know how to get photos on to the forum. Can anyone help with that?
Thanks for offering! You can share your photos here by using an image hosting site like photobucket or imgur.
Here are some pics I took today at the WI-136 interchange. All of the new signage is up, some of it is bagged, and some of it is just planted behind the current signs. All of the guardrails, lighting and signage appears to be up on the mainline as well. Looks like it's 99% ready to go!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w9jol.com%2Fbboo%2F1.jpg&hash=e2a12762e5cf3bec3e9f8903d68e22088176b13a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w9jol.com%2Fbboo%2F2.jpg&hash=a8ecc2335ad5c4a56eaaf48cad9620f0dde34a38)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w9jol.com%2Fbboo%2F3.jpg&hash=620c3ec31b8f02af4ddc8d234584892a1dfe0a74)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w9jol.com%2Fbboo%2F4.jpg&hash=3c6f4ed0f3ea76fcadb7dcef9f88449d39919ead)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w9jol.com%2Fbboo%2F5.jpg&hash=2df2c825e67ef8b45db71a23cc3786e462b5bdea)
The trucks were part of a painting crew doing the striping on the ramp.
Did you notice the little design on the overpasses?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Ftriplemultiplex%2FAround%2520Town%2FIMG_3100_zpscujmlsyn.jpg&hash=770e4eac5d8b7ae4a45e4b28c9e58e020b11dee5)
(from spring 2016)
Reminds me of the newer bridges in the Milwaukee and Madison areas. By the way, does Business 12 still follow its pre-existing route, or has it been rerouted in the Baraboo area?
That's awfully nice for a non-primary highway.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on June 30, 2017, 03:58:34 PM
Reminds me of the newer bridges in the Milwaukee and Madison areas. By the way, does Business 12 still follow its pre-existing route, or has it been rerouted in the Baraboo area?
It appears that BR-12 follows it's pre-existing route, while WI-136 takes over the current US-12 portion in Baraboo, then follows the former route of WI-159 to Devils Lake state park.
Quote from: I-39 on June 30, 2017, 05:20:09 PM
That's awfully nice for a non-primary highway.
Combine a high traffic route with "community sensitive design" and that's what you get. The decorative design doesn't add a lot to the cost, but makes for a nice looking structure.
And if you spend time on US-12 during tourist season, you'll find that it's gets more traffic than many primary highways, as it links the Dells, Baraboo, Devils Lake, and the Casino together.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on June 28, 2017, 09:23:22 AM
It would be best to identify now what r/w they will need for an eventual upgrade of the remaining two lane portion and the future Sauk City bypass. Particularly east of the WI River where there's bound to be more property impacts.
I imagine the bridging over the river and its large floodplain will be quite lengthy. Some of the land potentially impacted by a Sauk City bypass is part of the Lower Wisconsin River State Wildlife Area. More bridging will reduce those impacts somewhat, but I assume there will still be contention over it.
Check out the Sauk City Comprehensive Land Use Plan. They already have a corridor mapped for the bypass.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on July 09, 2017, 07:17:42 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on June 28, 2017, 09:23:22 AM
It would be best to identify now what r/w they will need for an eventual upgrade of the remaining two lane portion and the future Sauk City bypass. Particularly east of the WI River where there's bound to be more property impacts.
I imagine the bridging over the river and its large floodplain will be quite lengthy. Some of the land potentially impacted by a Sauk City bypass is part of the Lower Wisconsin River State Wildlife Area. More bridging will reduce those impacts somewhat, but I assume there will still be contention over it.
Check out the Sauk City Comprehensive Land Use Plan. They already have a corridor mapped for the bypass.
But WisDOT will still have to conduct a study to see if that is a feasible route. Just because Sauk City mapped it, doesn't mean it will go there. It will be interesting to see what they ultimately do. This will be the next big project on the US 12 corridor between Madison and the Dells since it is the last two-lane segment on the route.
Quote from: I-39 on July 09, 2017, 05:20:04 PM
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on July 09, 2017, 07:17:42 AM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on June 28, 2017, 09:23:22 AM
It would be best to identify now what r/w they will need for an eventual upgrade of the remaining two lane portion and the future Sauk City bypass. Particularly east of the WI River where there's bound to be more property impacts.
I imagine the bridging over the river and its large floodplain will be quite lengthy. Some of the land potentially impacted by a Sauk City bypass is part of the Lower Wisconsin River State Wildlife Area. More bridging will reduce those impacts somewhat, but I assume there will still be contention over it.
Check out the Sauk City Comprehensive Land Use Plan. They already have a corridor mapped for the bypass.
But WisDOT will still have to conduct a study to see if that is a feasible route. Just because Sauk City mapped it, doesn't mean it will go there. It will be interesting to see what they ultimately do. This will be the next big project on the US 12 corridor between Madison and the Dells since it is the last two-lane segment on the route.
Link to map being discussed:
http://www.prairiedusac.net/vertical/sites/%7B9B4AD25B-1470-4128-8A1E-0DB407531D87%7D/uploads/Highway_12_PF_Airport_Area_Plan_Adopted_6_26_12_small.pdf
This is a very interesting plan. The mapped US 12 bypass is a lot closer to the existing alignment (Philips Blvd. segment) than I pictured it would be. I expected it to be further south, like south of even the existing 12/188 intersection. I'm still not sure how likely a US 12 Sauk City bypass is to be constructed, even after the existing expiration date of 2020. Time will tell!
I grew up in that area. I can remember seeing some other proposals. One had Hwy 12 turning east roughly where County Hwy Z meets up with it crossing the river roughly where the Culvers Headquarters is located in Prairie du Sac and roughly following 188 to meet up with 12 again. The other one, was similar to the proposal shown in the plan except it continued farther south to roughly to County Hwy Y and met up with 12 near that intersection. Due to the terrain, those are really the only 3 practical proposals possible. As it is, a large amount of bluff will need to be removed to make the current proposal work.
I looked at that plan. I heard about a US 12 Sauk City bypass but I did not realize they were suggesting that either Hwy 60 or 78 or both be rerouted. I take it they would make it like the Whitewater bypass and the Burlington bypass where there are no major highways going through through those cities but instead just county highways and business highways.
Went through the area again yesterday, this time through the south side. Looks like there is still plenty of work to be done right at where the bypass and the current route meet. They're still grading and doing other work for the new lanes and the intersection that will connect the bypass with the current route.
Quote from: GeekJedi on July 12, 2017, 12:41:54 PM
Went through the area again yesterday, this time through the south side. Looks like there is still plenty of work to be done right at where the bypass and the current route meet. They're still grading and doing other work for the new lanes and the intersection that will connect the bypass with the current route.
I heard they wanted everything done by September. Will they still be able to meet that deadline?
Quote from: I-39 on July 12, 2017, 09:36:42 PM
Quote from: GeekJedi on July 12, 2017, 12:41:54 PM
Went through the area again yesterday, this time through the south side. Looks like there is still plenty of work to be done right at where the bypass and the current route meet. They're still grading and doing other work for the new lanes and the intersection that will connect the bypass with the current route.
I heard they wanted everything done by September. Will they still be able to meet that deadline?
They should be completed enough to open it. Everything is done, save for the connecting pavement and interchange, and a mile or so of concrete to finish the four-lane from the Bypass to the existing four-lane south of Ski Hi Rd. That section already has some new concrete, so it's well on it's way.
When this bypass is finished, are they going to raise the speed limit? I know it is 55 mph right now.
I'm sure they will raise the speed limit. Probably to 65 or 70 MPH.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 14, 2017, 03:42:52 PM
I'm sure they will raise the speed limit. Probably to 65 or 70 MPH.
70 may be a bit too much for a non-interstate (in the eyes of WisDOT), probably 65 on the freeway segment.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 14, 2017, 03:42:52 PM
I'm sure they will raise the speed limit. Probably to 65 or 70 MPH.
The entire section from Madison to Sauk City is 55, as is the section north of Baraboo into the Dells. I predict that the entire length will stay at 55 to match.
Quote from: I-39 on July 14, 2017, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 14, 2017, 03:42:52 PM
I'm sure they will raise the speed limit. Probably to 65 or 70 MPH.
70 may be a bit too much for a non-interstate (in the eyes of WisDOT), probably 65 on the freeway segment.
There are non-interstates in Wisconsin with that higher limit. Ie, the freeway part of WI 54/57 in Green Bay.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on July 14, 2017, 11:00:37 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 14, 2017, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 14, 2017, 03:42:52 PM
I'm sure they will raise the speed limit. Probably to 65 or 70 MPH.
The 55 limit was part of the bargain to get the Madison to Sauk City work done, so I doubt that will change. If that doesn't (and the fact that the Baraboo to Dells segment is 55), I don't see them going to 65 or 70. Just my slightly educated opinion though.
70 may be a bit too much for a non-interstate (in the eyes of WisDOT), probably 65 on the freeway segment.
There are non-interstates in Wisconsin with that higher limit. Ie, the freeway part of WI 54/57 in Green Bay.
Mike
Opens in August
http://host.madison.com/news/local/highway-baraboo-bypass-opens-to-traffic-in-august/article_55b64bfc-a15e-5422-a830-f14b92ab5150.html
And yet it is still missing from Google Maps (No surprise).
I noticed that they are going to raise the speed limit to 65 mph.
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 18, 2017, 04:39:52 PM
I noticed that they are going to raise the speed limit to 65 mph.
Source?
Or have you spied the signage on the unopened section?
65 is a reasonable SL for this facility north of Bluffview (the trailer park across from the old ammo plant).
You can see a sign in the picture on the article link.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the 65MPH limit! I'm assuming that they'll be upping the limit north of Baraboo as well(?).
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 18, 2017, 04:39:52 PM
I noticed that they are going to raise the speed limit to 65 mph.
Good catch from the linked photo. I'm surprised to see the higher limit. I wonder if it will extend southerly to end of the four-lane section at County Trunk Z once the S curve is rebuilt next year.
I understand that Hwy 159 is eventually going to become an extension of Hwy 136. Have they put up new signs for that yet? Or are they going to wait until next year when they replace the old road? I know that the new bypass is going to be partially open this upcoming week.
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 30, 2017, 09:57:16 AM
I understand that Hwy 159 is eventually going to become an extension of Hwy 136. Have they put up new signs for that yet? Or are they going to wait until next year when they replace the old road? I know that the new bypass is going to be partially open this upcoming week.
The signs are up, but they're covered. Not sure what the plan is yet.
Any pictures of those?
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 30, 2017, 02:50:34 PM
Any pictures of those?
If you look at my pics on the first page, you can see the new sign showing 136 turning SB at US-12. I passed through there on Friday (NB on 12 from Sauk City to Baraboo) and saw the new signs covered up, but didn't get a pic.
Construction Update - I drove through the southern end of the construction zone on Saturday. Traffic between the end of the existing 4 lane and Ski-Hi road is being routed on the future Eastbound (Southbound) lane. It crosses over at Ski High road to the new pavement for the Westbound (Northbound) lane. Ski-Hi road is not accessible right now. The pavement from the new Eastbound section is being laid and connects to the new pavement on the existing section Eastbound. Where the old and new meet, Traffic cuts off on the east side under where the future Westbound lane will connect the old and new. It looks like traffic will need to be routed on to the new section before this connection can be completed. The future Westbound lane between the existing 4 lane and Ski-Hi Rd has no pavement yet and is in the process of being graded. Hope that's not too confusing, but should have pictures up in a day or so.
Several local media accounts had said that the bypass would open by today, but alas, there's lots of mainline concrete and shoulders to be paved on both ends. Now, Madison media report an opening scheduled for 8/11, as do the VMSs advertise a "new traffic pattern" on 8/11. Clearly with over a mile of concrete to lay and cure, if it does open, it will not be complete/fully open --with two way traffic on just one set of lanes at the northern and southern ends.
It can't happen soon enough.
Businesses prepare as Baraboo bypass set to open Aug. 11
http://www.channel3000.com/news/businesses-prepare-as-baraboo-bypass-set-to-open-aug-11/599733136 (http://www.channel3000.com/news/businesses-prepare-as-baraboo-bypass-set-to-open-aug-11/599733136)
There's no way the south end of the project will be complete by the 11th. Way too much torn up at this point - it'll be two-way on the EBD (SBD) lanes while the WBD (NBD) lanes are completed later on in the year.
As far as the north side goes, the EBD (SBD) side can be done very quickly, if it's genuinely not done yet. When I was up there last night, I saw no staging in place to bounce traffic to and from the EBD side; my assumption was (and is) that WisDOT intended to have both carriageways open on the north side on the 11th. What might end up happening is a temporary detour for WBD traffic while they tie in the new construction to the existing roadway.
Quote from: GeekJedi on July 30, 2017, 01:26:33 PM
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 30, 2017, 09:57:16 AM
I understand that Hwy 159 is eventually going to become an extension of Hwy 136. Have they put up new signs for that yet? Or are they going to wait until next year when they replace the old road? I know that the new bypass is going to be partially open this upcoming week.
The signs are up, but they're covered. Not sure what the plan is yet.
Also unknown: what the plan is for Business US-12 (which currently runs through downtown Baraboo via South Blvd, Broadway St, 8th Ave, and Linn St). My assumption is that it's simply extended along South Blvd (County W) and Linn St to meet the new US-12, because that's the path of least resistance.
I would also not be surprised to see that Hwy 136 simply replaces Hwy 159 in its entirety. There's no reason to have the separate route number anymore. It would be more confusing than helpful.
In the future, it would make a lot of sense for that re-designated Hwy 136 to be extended to Hwy 113, and for Hwy DL to be extended down S. Shore Rd and Ski Hi Rd back to US-12. But from other recent routing decisions (dumping Hwy 123 back to Sauk County), it appears WisDOT is more interested in shedding roads in the area, not adding them. S. Shore Rd and Ski Hi Rd would also need considerable work to be brought up to county highway standards.
Quote from: JREwing78 on August 05, 2017, 12:09:46 PM
Quote from: GeekJedi on July 30, 2017, 01:26:33 PM
Quote from: US 12 fan on July 30, 2017, 09:57:16 AM
I understand that Hwy 159 is eventually going to become an extension of Hwy 136. Have they put up new signs for that yet? Or are they going to wait until next year when they replace the old road? I know that the new bypass is going to be partially open this upcoming week.
The signs are up, but they're covered. Not sure what the plan is yet.
Also unknown: what the plan is for Business US-12 (which currently runs through downtown Baraboo via South Blvd, Broadway St, 8th Ave, and Linn St). My assumption is that it's simply extended along South Blvd (County W) and Linn St to meet the new US-12, because that's the path of least resistance.
I would also not be surprised to see that Hwy 136 simply replaces Hwy 159 in its entirety. There's no reason to have the separate route number anymore. It would be more confusing than helpful.
In the future, it would make a lot of sense for that re-designated Hwy 136 to be extended to Hwy 113, and for Hwy DL to be extended down S. Shore Rd and Ski Hi Rd back to US-12. But from other recent routing decisions (dumping Hwy 123 back to Sauk County), it appears WisDOT is more interested in shedding roads in the area, not adding them. S. Shore Rd and Ski Hi Rd would also need considerable work to be brought up to county highway standards.
My understanding is that BUS US-12 will remain on it's current route through Baraboo, with the addition of the north and south "legs" of the current US-12 to each end of the bypass.
WI-136 takes over the current section of US-12 from it's intersection with US-12/BUS US-12 south to, and including, WI-159.
It looks like it is going to partially open tomorrow.
www.wiscnews.com/baraboonewsrepublic/news/local/article_a69ad52f-8692-566d-a3a6-726b979e617c.html
For more information, contact:
Greg Brecka, WisDOT Project Manager, (608) 245-2671
gregory.brecka@dot.wi.gov
New lanes of US 12 expected to open Saturday, Baraboo
Project will be completed this fall
New lanes of US 12 are expected to open to traffic at noon on Saturday (Aug. 12) as part of the ongoing Baraboo bypass construction. Motorists are urged to be aware of reduced speeds, lane restrictions and construction activities in the area.
Crossovers with bidirectional traffic (two lanes, one in each directional) are in place at the north and south ends of the work zone. Four lanes of traffic are open through the WIS 136 interchange and the County W interchange.
US 12 construction between Terrytown Road and Ski Hi Road is ongoing.
Project completion is expected this fall.
More information on the Baraboo bypass construction can be found at www.511wi.gov.
Has existing 12 and STH-159 been resigned as STH-136 yet?
Did anyone notice if it was open today?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 12, 2017, 03:06:05 PM
Has existing 12 and STH-159 been resigned as STH-136 yet?
According to Wikipedia it has. Although I would not consider Wikipedia the most reliable source.
Quote from: dvferyance on August 15, 2017, 04:38:21 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 12, 2017, 03:06:05 PM
Has existing 12 and STH-159 been resigned as STH-136 yet?
According to Wikipedia it has. Although I would not consider Wikipedia the most reliable source.
Wikipedia says it was renumbered, not that signs were changed.
Quote from: NE2 on August 15, 2017, 05:21:29 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on August 15, 2017, 04:38:21 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 12, 2017, 03:06:05 PM
Has existing 12 and STH-159 been resigned as STH-136 yet?
According to Wikipedia it has. Although I would not consider Wikipedia the most reliable source.
Wikipedia says it was renumbered, not that signs were changed.
The signs were up (but covered) over a month ago. I think it's fairly safe bet to assume the signs are now uncovered.
Here is a new link to the map of the Baraboo Bypass.
https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/XLqCIT0vlOWxySKociEk8kWESZNCgFP_9kpwVSQe20dXnezAC0MWDg0B0Xv9R_B3b9SC3UpJiXO-M48VbaZz-GMAs7BXm_DwJz0VIDi5hBCnL1eDUkEwj8I_5GSt66LxcjaVramHBtKeXZ8d3czto_FNdDks4DpcvPT7kSc-eJIqkBITWkGCh0NwkKGtRxQdWdX5x81zx9t5tt6WndiOtveU_ZKsrrWr=s0-d-e1-ft#https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20840965_1788849841142648_1816361763052850797_n.jpg?oh=99f6b3af86c094ae565c5f584008de90&oe=5A20D899
Drove through yesterday--all concrete mainline paving is complete, but lots of shoulder blacktopping to do. Removal of the connections to the temporary roundabout with County Trunk BD is mostly done. Speed limit 65 sign is posted on WB lanes at Ski Hi Road. Best guess is that speed limit remains at 55 south of there for now.
Can't wait for the barrels to come down on the WB lanes from the base of the Baraboo Bluffs! I got stuck behind a milk truck going 20 mph all the way up the pass...I don't see leaving both lanes open being that much of a safety hazard. I was just as concerned about getting rear ended by someone in the one lane condition.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on September 06, 2017, 11:13:07 PM
Drove through yesterday--all concrete mainline paving is complete, but lots of shoulder blacktopping to do. Removal of the connections to the temporary roundabout with County Trunk BD is mostly done. Speed limit 65 sign is posted on WB lanes at Ski Hi Road. Best guess is that speed limit remains at 55 south of there for now.
Good luck even trying to get to 65 once down the hill south of Ski Hi, given the state of the pavement in the area. Was dodging potholes and rough spots almost all the way to Sauk City earlier this summer.
They must be mere days away from opening all lanes based on what I saw this weekend. They just need striping in a few places. Landscaping crews were wrapping up on the south end when I drove through Saturday.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Ftriplemultiplex%2FAround%2520Town%2FIMG_3480_zpslmnhrtg5.jpg&hash=635584b3fd493cb17602e47fcb80fe2462de7ac4)
In the distance, the sign in the median is for reduce speed to 55 mph and looks permanent (two posts, 48" x 48") so I think one can infer the 65 zone will end there. EB (SB) was posted at 55 all the way through from the Dells so far.
A lot of the signage for WI 136 around Devils Lake slaps the new number on the old WI 159 shields. Example:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Ftriplemultiplex%2FAround%2520Town%2FIMG_3462_zpsvqy1hme1.jpg&hash=d3c8af18e2cf195869be3d6e91137537ad791350)
I know the next official state highway map is going to screw up the new bypass, so I did it correctly:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn208%2Ftriplemultiplex%2FHighway%2520System%2FBaraboo%25202017_zpscgrcq6df.jpg&hash=06e3ff34d16fd2813860aced8fcf47a78e6873cf)
R.I.P. STH-159, 1923-2017.
I am really surprised that the suggested route to get to Devil's Lake takes you right through Baraboo. In the future Ski Hi Road will have to be improved to handle the extra traffic as many will take that way since it will be a much better direct way. I would make that the state highway spur into Devil's Lake or at least a County Highway. The WI 136 extension could later become and extension of County Hwy BD. Time will tell which route will be more popular but I presume Ski Hi Road is going to see a ton of extra traffic.
Quote from: dvferyance on September 13, 2017, 05:59:38 PM
I am really surprised that the suggested route to get to Devil's Lake takes you right through Baraboo. In the future Ski Hi Road will have to be improved to handle the extra traffic as many will take that way since it will be a much better direct way. I would make that the state highway spur into Devil's Lake or at least a County Highway. The WI 136 extension could later become and extension of County Hwy BD. Time will tell which route will be more popular but I presume Ski Hi Road is going to see a ton of extra traffic.
If that is the case, then an interchange may be needed at Ski Hi Road in the future.
Ski Hill Road was always my preferred route to Devils Lake from the south even before the construction.
Hopefully Christopher Bessert will update his Wisconsin Highways website to reflect the latest changes in the Baraboo area.
Man, I love this project being completed! It looks like lots of other people have figured it out based on the traffic volumes Friday afternoon. I still don't understand not extending the 65mph limit south to County Trunk Z near Prairie du Sac, as there aren't that many intersections in that stretch. They are a couple of substandard curves that would need to be posted on the SB side, even though I take them at 65mph fairly comfortably.
Now if they could remove the stoplights at County Trunks K, P, and STH 19 East. The backups at peak hour are significant.
Can't wait to drive this stretch on my next trip to MN or NW Wisconsin.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 11, 2017, 02:08:30 PM
R.I.P. STH-159, 1923-2017.
Here to pay my respects.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/25811933571_a4622920f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FjUUzr)
WI-159-ET (https://flic.kr/p/FjUUzr) by Paul Drives (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138603251@N02/), on Flickr
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on October 22, 2017, 03:39:03 PM
Man, I love this project being completed! It looks like lots of other people have figured it out based on the traffic volumes Friday afternoon. I still don’t understand not extending the 65mph limit south to County Trunk Z near Prairie du Sac, as there aren’t that many intersections in that stretch. They are a couple of substandard curves that would need to be posted on the SB side, even though I take them at 65mph fairly comfortably.
It's also the older roadway design with narrow shoulders and median, and the fact that houses and other items are very close to the right-of-way. As far as the section south of Sauk City, it appears the main reason for the 55 mph posting is the presence of stoplights.
I would expect when WisDOT finally is able to pursue a Sauk City bypass, they will also completely rebuild the highway north to the Baraboo bypass, and put in overpasses and ramps at the existing intersections with stoplights. At that point, you'll see a 65 mph limit. But with the current budget issues, that won't happen quickly.
Quote from: JREwing78 on October 27, 2017, 08:17:18 AM
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on October 22, 2017, 03:39:03 PM
Man, I love this project being completed! It looks like lots of other people have figured it out based on the traffic volumes Friday afternoon. I still don't understand not extending the 65mph limit south to County Trunk Z near Prairie du Sac, as there aren't that many intersections in that stretch. They are a couple of substandard curves that would need to be posted on the SB side, even though I take them at 65mph fairly comfortably.
It's also the older roadway design with narrow shoulders and median, and the fact that houses and other items are very close to the right-of-way. As far as the section south of Sauk City, it appears the main reason for the 55 mph posting is the presence of stoplights.
I would expect when WisDOT finally is able to pursue a Sauk City bypass, they will also completely rebuild the highway north to the Baraboo bypass, and put in overpasses and ramps at the existing intersections with stoplights. At that point, you'll see a 65 mph limit. But with the current budget issues, that won't happen quickly.
WisDOT made a proposal a year or so ago to raise the speed limit to 65 between roughly Middleton and Sauk City. It was met with a lot of public backlash, mostly from the farming community along that stretch. To the best of my knowledge, the plan hasn't been talked about since.
I wouldn't want to see 65 between Middleton and Sauk City without more access control.
It would be very nice to get the ball rolling on an interchange at CTH K. Way too much traffic for just a traffic signal.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on October 27, 2017, 05:15:08 PM
I wouldn't what to see 65 between Middleton and Sauk City without more access control.
It would be very nice to get the ball rolling on an interchange at CTH K. Way too much traffic for just a traffic signal.
I dunno - there's actually more cross traffic on 151, and that's posted at 65.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on October 27, 2017, 05:15:08 PM
I wouldn't what to see 65 between Middleton and Sauk City without more access control.
It would be very nice to get the ball rolling on an interchange at CTH K. Way too much traffic for just a traffic signal.
I agree but I was there today and noticed they just replaced the traffic lights with vertical monotubes. So I doubt any interchange is happening there for awhile. Aside form that I think Hwy 12 is fine the way it is. I would like to see another lane extended on the beltline from Gammon to University. That is probably US 12's greatest need right now.
Back to the topic of a Sauk City bypass, with the opening of the new Kwik Trip at the NE corner of County Trunk PF and US 12, they didn’t leave much room to accommodate a potential diamond interchange. So now I question if the bypass is intended to be limited access. Granted, the store is outside of Prairie du Sac’s corporate limits, and the township may not have been adhering to municipal planning efforts.
Like many of us, I am not a big fan of stoplights on bypasses or rural highways. I hate to see that mistake repeated here.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on March 14, 2020, 06:28:04 PM
Back to the topic of a Sauk City bypass, with the opening of the new Kwik Trip at the NE corner of County Trunk PF and US 12, they didn't leave much room to accommodate a potential diamond interchange. So now I question if the bypass is intended to be limited access. Granted, the store is outside of Prairie du Sac's corporate limits, and the township may not have been adhering to municipal planning efforts.
Like many of us, I am not a big fan of stoplights on bypasses or rural highways. I hate to see that mistake repeated here.
I'm pretty sure Prairie du Sac annexed that land and is providing Kwik Trip with water. I doubt Kwik Trip would put a car wash somewhere without a municial water service.
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on March 14, 2020, 06:28:04 PM
Back to the topic of a Sauk City bypass, with the opening of the new Kwik Trip at the NE corner of County Trunk PF and US 12, they didn't leave much room to accommodate a potential diamond interchange. So now I question if the bypass is intended to be limited access. Granted, the store is outside of Prairie du Sac's corporate limits, and the township may not have been adhering to municipal planning efforts.
Like many of us, I am not a big fan of stoplights on bypasses or rural highways. I hate to see that mistake repeated here.
My guess is that the eventual bypass will be an entirely new highway, off to the west of current US-12. Current 12 will turn into Business 12.
Quote from: SEWIGuy on March 15, 2020, 08:30:56 AM
Quote from: midwesternroadguy on March 14, 2020, 06:28:04 PM
I'm pretty sure Prairie du Sac annexed that land and is providing Kwik Trip with water. I doubt Kwik Trip would put a car wash somewhere without a municial water service.
I would agree, but my only source of recent mapping was the 2020 WisDOT County map which showed that site as not being annexed. But then WisDOT isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of annexation info: while the recent incorporations of Raymond and Yorkville are depicted in Racine County, Somers in Kenosha County is still shown as an unincorporated town even though it incorporated several years ago.
Here is a picture of the TIF district that includes the Kwik Trip.
https://www.prairiedusac.net/vertical/sites/%7B9B4AD25B-1470-4128-8A1E-0DB407531D87%7D/uploads/TID5_Possible_Territory_01.31.2018.jpg
Got it from here
https://www.prairiedusac.net/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={09008312-18F3-410D-AA27-6E8A33A4C991}&DE={71AF7785-91C8-4151-B158-99DB7E32D64E}
From the Village of Prairie du Sac's website, the most recent map that I could find, dated 2018-11-22, does show the land in both east quadrants of the US 12/County 'PP' intersection as being in the Village.
I also agree, when the time comes to build the long-planned US 12 Sauk Prairie bypass freeway (its planning 'embargo' at WisDOT should be about over by now, BTW), it will all be on a new ROW. I did see an official map showing its exact proposed routing about 20 or so years ago, but I have no idea, offhand, of where that information is now.
Mike
Upthread:
Link to map being discussed:
http://www.prairiedusac.net/vertical/sites/%7B9B4AD25B-1470-4128-8A1E-0DB407531D87%7D/uploads/Highway_12_PF_Airport_Area_Plan_Adopted_6_26_12_small.pdf
Speaking of Sauk Prairie, I've occasionally mused that as a good name for a merged Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. It's already the name for the state wildlife area born out of the vestiges of the Badger Ammunition Depot. So the name is already in use in the area. And those two small towns seem like they would benefit from joining forces as an up and coming Madison exurb. As US 12 gets improved, they have easy access to Madison's growing west side, plus they can exploit their position outside of Dane County to lure all those tax dodgers who don't want to pay their fair share to society, but still be near a cool place with a lot of hip stuff going on.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on March 20, 2020, 09:57:32 PM
Speaking of Sauk Prairie, I've occasionally mused that as a good name for a merged Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. It's already the name for the state wildlife area born out of the vestiges of the Badger Ammunition Depot. So the name is already in use in the area. And those two small towns seem like they would benefit from joining forces as an up and coming Madison exurb. As US 12 gets improved, they have easy access to Madison's growing west side, plus they can exploit their position outside of Dane County to lure all those tax dodgers who don't want to pay their fair share to society, but still be near a cool place with a lot of hip stuff going on.
When the two tried to merge about 20 or so years ago, the name of the resulting new muni was to be 'City of Sauk Prairie'. At referendum, it passed in Sauk City but failed in Prairie du Sac.
Mike