Wisconsin notes

[on_wisconsin]

Still no movement on widening USH 53 around Eau Claire... Anyone who drives it more than a month knows it needs another lane each way from Golf Rd to Melby St (or at least the North Xing). Raw traffic counts obviously do not tell the whole story, especially around River Prairie Dr or when there's a minor accident. The 53 bypass was built shovel ready for expansion (ROW, bridge piers, etc.), but aside from the 151-EpicLand work, the only "major" thing going on the western side of the state is that La Crosse study.

[The Ghostbuster]

The only study on the DOT website in the Northwest Region is a new US 2 (Bad River Study): https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/nw/us2badriverstudy/default.aspx. Therefore, any expansion of US 53 in Eau Claire is a ways off.

[chrismarion100]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

[JoePCool14]

There, of course, has been a proposal to extend the STH 794/Lake Parkway to STH 100/E. Ryan Rd. However, any extension is quite a ways off since the extension was first proposed in 2012. I would support it 100%, since it would go by the house where my paternal grandparents once lived.

Right but they are likely not going to build anything over a new ROW, and it most certainly won't be a freeway. If anything, they'll just run the WI-794 designation down Pennsylvania Avenue.

WIDOT should be saving their $$$ for capacity build up on existing Milwaukee freeways.

And Pennsylvania Ave runs just fine currently. Maybe 20 years down the line I could see it being more of a boulevard or parkway to Ryan Rd but not now.

I would love to see WisDOT take jurisdiction and brand Pennsylvania Ave as WI-794 down to WI-100. Even if it wasn't widened beyond some additional turn lanes, the speed limit that drops to 25 and still only goes up to 35 in South Milwaukee is obnoxiously slow.

[SEWIGuy]

There, of course, has been a proposal to extend the STH 794/Lake Parkway to STH 100/E. Ryan Rd. However, any extension is quite a ways off since the extension was first proposed in 2012. I would support it 100%, since it would go by the house where my paternal grandparents once lived.

Right but they are likely not going to build anything over a new ROW, and it most certainly won't be a freeway. If anything, they'll just run the WI-794 designation down Pennsylvania Avenue.

WIDOT should be saving their $$$ for capacity build up on existing Milwaukee freeways.

And Pennsylvania Ave runs just fine currently. Maybe 20 years down the line I could see it being more of a boulevard or parkway to Ryan Rd but not now.

I would love to see WisDOT take jurisdiction and brand Pennsylvania Ave as WI-794 down to WI-100. Even if it wasn't widened beyond some additional turn lanes, the speed limit that drops to 25 and still only goes up to 35 in South Milwaukee is obnoxiously slow.

Well yeah. It's a residential street through there. Why would South Milwaukee and Oak Creek want to it to be more than that? And WIDOT isn't going to take it over just to jack up the speed limit.

[JoePCool14]

It always just bothered me the way WI-794 ended at nothing in terms of state highways. And the fact that South Milwaukee and Oak Creek created a road that carries arterial-levels of traffic at 25 mph. It puts a lid on how useful 794 can be as a alternative corridor to 94/41.

Is it a fictional request? Almost certainly.

[The Ghostbuster]

There was a proposal to extend the STH 794/Lake Parkway to STH 100/E. Ryan Rd., but it has been dormant for 13 years, and likely won't be built anytime soon, if ever.

[SEWIGuy]

It always just bothered me the way WI-794 ended at nothing in terms of state highways. And the fact that South Milwaukee and Oak Creek created a road that carries arterial-levels of traffic at 25 mph. It puts a lid on how useful 794 can be as a alternative corridor to 94/41.

Is it a fictional request? Almost certainly.

Yes, it is odd that it doesn't end at a state highway. It would be better to extended it west along College to end at the interstate.

There was a proposal to extend the STH 794/Lake Parkway to STH 100/E. Ryan Rd., but it has been dormant for 13 years, and likely won't be built anytime soon, if ever.

Yeah that would have been on a new terrain route and my guess is completely dead. Too many other needs right now.

[mgk920]

The original mid-20th century plan was to extend it as a six-lane freeway all the way to the state line as an alternative to I-41/94, but that was dropped decades ago.  Much of that abandoned full ROW can still be traced.

Mike

[on_wisconsin]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

[SEWIGuy]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

[mgk920]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

[SEWIGuy]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

There were and are plenty of places in SE Wisconsin that "want" highway funds. Milwaukee doesn't speak for the entire region. For example, the recently completed I-43 expansion should have been done years ago. But instead WIDOT spent all sorts of $$ on projects in the very same region that should have been lower priority. (Burlington bypass, I am looking at you.)

I look at projects like the WI-26 expansion and just shake my head at how little traffic exists on a massively overbuilt expressway, meanwhile I-94 goes down to two lanes before hitting Oconomowoc. Just poor prioritization.

[Rothman]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

[SEWIGuy]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

[Rothman]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

[GeekJedi]

The last time I was in Sturgeon Bay, I noticed that construction was just about wrapping up on two new "Michigan Lefts" (or RCUTs in WisDOT speak) along WI-57. There's one at CTH-H and one at Stone Rd.

[TheCatalyst31]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

[SEWIGuy]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

Something around 95% of Wisconsin's population lives south of US-8. There is a reason there is less investment in that part of the state.

[Rothman]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

Something around 95% of Wisconsin's population lives south of US-8. There is a reason there is less investment in that part of the state.

Makes me wonder what the percentage of infrastructure is north of US 8.

[SEWIGuy]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

Something around 95% of Wisconsin's population lives south of US-8. There is a reason there is less investment in that part of the state.

Makes me wonder what the percentage of infrastructure is north of US 8.

I am sure its a larger portion than 95%, but it is also a less travelled portion.

[Rothman]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

Something around 95% of Wisconsin's population lives south of US-8. There is a reason there is less investment in that part of the state.

Makes me wonder what the percentage of infrastructure is north of US 8.

I am sure its a larger portion than 95%, but it is also a less travelled portion.

Certainly.

Hm.  Even thinking about the top third of WI's counties seceding to join MI or MN doesn't play out well, either.

[hobsini2]

according to this 2021 article, maybe WisDOT starts looking at US 53 in Eau Claire by 2026 but any new upgrades will probably not happen for awhile as WisDOT is currently in the process of making repairs along the bypass

https://www.wqow.com/news/you-ask-we-answer-answering-your-highway-questions/article_48452c30-cf8d-534c-92c4-9980737c284a.html

The current repairs ongoing are mundane upkeep and almost certainly would not affect any widening plans.

Part of me thinks there are still some sour grapes among the old suits at the EC WisDOT office and local govt when it comes to the 53 bypass and the bitter routing debate (inner vs. outer schemes) back in the early '90s when it got finalized. A bit unlikely, but there's still some lingering animosity even 30 years later (if you listen to some of the crusty types around the area)...

I think these are the excuses locals come up when in reality WIDOT has a lot of major projects in other part of the state that need attention. And IMO they are behind on a lot of those because of wasteful spending elsewhere. (I don't think the US-53 bypass fits in that category.)

For MANY years, the attitude in the state legislature was "If they don't want it in SE Wisconsin, there are plenty of other places in the state that would love t."

Mike

When I lived in Superior, the mantra was that Madison ignored everything above WI 29 or US 8.

If that were the case, their four year university would have closed years ago.

Well, they have that going for them, which is nice.

Have to say I found the mantra partially true.  I lobbied the State Legislature as I participated in Superior Days.  Talked to a legislator from the Geneva Lake area that made is not caring about the Northland known up front and center.  At least others were courteous that I spoke to...

Lake Geneva is mostly wealthy people and tourists who vote elsewhere, so I'm not too surprised by the snobbery. That being said, northern Wisconsin has the same problem that Forgottonia has in Illinois - most people in the state don't live there or have to travel through there (unless they vacation up north), so they forget it exists.

Something around 95% of Wisconsin's population lives south of US-8. There is a reason there is less investment in that part of the state.

Makes me wonder what the percentage of infrastructure is north of US 8.

I am sure its a larger portion than 95%, but it is also a less travelled portion.

Certainly.

Hm.  Even thinking about the top third of WI's counties seceding to join MI or MN doesn't play out well, either.

Unless the UP separates from Michigan, I can't see that happening in my lifetime. Just for kicks, I took all of the counties including and north of US 8 and the UP counties to see what it would look like in terms of population.
WI - Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Vilas, Washburn (405,525)
MI - Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft (304,393)

The population would be 709,918. That would rank it ahead of Vermont and Wyoming but behind Alaska.

If it did separate, where would the capital be? Ashland, Rhinelander, Marquette MI, Menominee MI or something else?

[JREwing78]

Judge to decide if Buc-ee's lawsuit can move forward in Oak Creek
Judge to hear arguments Wednesday on lawsuit challenging Oak Creek rezoning and approval process for Buc-ee's.
https://www.wisn.com/article/judge-to-decide-if-buc-ees-lawsuit-can-move-forward-in-oak-creek/65909745

A Milwaukee County judge is expected to decide Wednesday whether a lawsuit to stop plans for Wisconsin's first Buc-ee's travel stop can move forward.

The Oak Creek Common Council approved the massive project in May. The popular travel center chain wants to build a 73,000-square-foot, 24-hour retail space with 120 gas pumps near Interstate 94 and Elm Road.


But the group Oak Creek Neighbors United filed a lawsuit earlier this year, arguing the city's rezoning process lacked transparency.

In court documents, the group's attorney, Joseph Cincotta, accused the city of "illegal spot zoning," claiming rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment were done solely to benefit the developer. The lawsuit also points to possible violations of Wisconsin's open meetings law, alleging confidential discussions with Buc-ee's representatives.

Sara Shrieve, a member of the neighborhood group, told 12 News in April, "There's been a large amount of lack of transparency in relation to this development in particular, so it doesn't really feel like the city has been looking out for the greater good of the working class. We all just can't get up and move."


Buc-ee's leaders say they want to be part of the Oak Creek community. Stan Beard, the company's director of real estate development, said in May, "We love Wisconsin. We love Oak Creek. Oak Creek has a vibe to it that we think we can be a big part of."

The city of Oak Creek declined to comment on the pending litigation but said in a statement, "The City of Oak Creek is aware that a notice of circumstances and claim has been filed regarding the proposed Buc-ee's development. We are reviewing this matter with the City's legal team. As for any pending legal matter, the City will not be making further comments at this time."

The project still needs approval from the Oak Creek Plan Commission, which is waiting for the state Department of Transportation to review a traffic impact study.


The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Milwaukee County Court. Stay with WISN 12 News for updates on this developing story.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Judge to decide if Buc-ee's lawsuit can move forward in Oak Creek
Judge to hear arguments Wednesday on lawsuit challenging Oak Creek rezoning and approval process for Buc-ee's.
https://www.wisn.com/article/judge-to-decide-if-buc-ees-lawsuit-can-move-forward-in-oak-creek/65909745

A Milwaukee County judge is expected to decide Wednesday whether a lawsuit to stop plans for Wisconsin's first Buc-ee's travel stop can move forward.

The Oak Creek Common Council approved the massive project in May. The popular travel center chain wants to build a 73,000-square-foot, 24-hour retail space with 120 gas pumps near Interstate 94 and Elm Road.


But the group Oak Creek Neighbors United filed a lawsuit earlier this year, arguing the city's rezoning process lacked transparency.

In court documents, the group's attorney, Joseph Cincotta, accused the city of "illegal spot zoning," claiming rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment were done solely to benefit the developer. The lawsuit also points to possible violations of Wisconsin's open meetings law, alleging confidential discussions with Buc-ee's representatives.

Sara Shrieve, a member of the neighborhood group, told 12 News in April, "There's been a large amount of lack of transparency in relation to this development in particular, so it doesn't really feel like the city has been looking out for the greater good of the working class. We all just can't get up and move."


Buc-ee's leaders say they want to be part of the Oak Creek community. Stan Beard, the company's director of real estate development, said in May, "We love Wisconsin. We love Oak Creek. Oak Creek has a vibe to it that we think we can be a big part of."

The city of Oak Creek declined to comment on the pending litigation but said in a statement, "The City of Oak Creek is aware that a notice of circumstances and claim has been filed regarding the proposed Buc-ee's development. We are reviewing this matter with the City's legal team. As for any pending legal matter, the City will not be making further comments at this time."

The project still needs approval from the Oak Creek Plan Commission, which is waiting for the state Department of Transportation to review a traffic impact study.


The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Milwaukee County Court. Stay with WISN 12 News for updates on this developing story.

And it got dismissed/tossed out...