Wisconsin notes

[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...

[The Ghostbuster]

So, Buc-ee's is a go at this location?

[JREwing78]

Not quite. It has to go before the city's planning commission for approval. The judge involved in the case also ordered both sides to meet, and apparently the citizen's group can file another lawsuit if it doesn't go their way.  Early 2027 if everything goes the city's way. 

Meanwhile, in DeForest, the state granted $4 million towards the new I-39/90/94 interchange at County V, but that still leaves them at least $4 million short with what Buc-ee's has pledged towards the project. 

The state Assembly passed a proposal in May for a tax-incremental financing district to cover the development, but it is awaiting state Senate approval. 

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/22/buc-ees-in-wisconsin-deforest-gets-state-money/85327261007/

[JREwing78]

The work at the 5-Points intersection in Janesville (US-51 at Court St & Milwaukee Ave) has been delayed while the city awaits a new permit. They located a storm sewer in a different location than previously known that's impacting the Union Pacific railroad, and require the new permit before they can complete the roadwork. They are anticipating about Thanksgiving for completion.

[The Ghostbuster]

The original anticipated completion date was October 17th. Hopefully six weeks is the only delay that will be necessary.

[JREwing78]

It's not so terrible since WisDOT opened one lane of traffic each way in the northbound lanes on Center (US-51) through the 5 Points intersection. The City of Janesville also timed sewer and roadwork on W. Court St over the summer, which has made it a real obstacle course. The work on W. Court is likely to wrap up before the 5 Points work is completed. 

[tchafe1978]

Changes coming to CTH K & US 18/151 after temporary blockage reduced deadly crashes

https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/09/22/changes-coming-cth-k-us-18151-after-temporary-blockage-reduced-deadly-crashes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM-9Q9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPZGZSM0hpUm0xQkIyZERlAR4MOUEF5exPiMbggkR9BoqUEup1oVQ60iCHr7ZaPLNDb-qUCm_t8lFDLuuG5A_aem_Bdxbx-YN-PPWSLYOsHCDaQ

[The Ghostbuster]

There isn't anything on the DOT website or 511wi about this project. Long-term, I think an interchange or a grade-separation should be added at this location.

[mgk920]

There isn't anything on the DOT website or 511wi about this project. Long-term, I think an interchange or a grade-separation should be added at this location.

Assuming that you are referring to the Verona Rd interchange on the Madison Beltline, there was a serious proposal for paired 'fly-under' ramps in the predominant turn direction a couple of decades ago.  IMHO, that concept will likely someday be brought back.  It was kiboshed back then by the 'usual suspects' in the Madison area.

Mike

[SEWIGuy]

There isn't anything on the DOT website or 511wi about this project. Long-term, I think an interchange or a grade-separation should be added at this location.

Assuming that you are referring to the Verona Rd interchange on the Madison Beltline, there was a serious proposal for paired 'fly-under' ramps in the predominant turn direction a couple of decades ago.  IMHO, that concept will likely someday be brought back.  It was kiboshed back then by the 'usual suspects' in the Madison area.

No, he is talking about the County K / US-18/151 intersection near Barneveld.

[The Ghostbuster]

Correct. I was aware of Verona Rd.'s potential Stage 3 of its reconstruction plan, but I doubt it will ever be constructed.

[JREwing78]

Changes coming to CTH K & US 18/151 after temporary blockage reduced deadly crashes

https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/09/22/changes-coming-cth-k-us-18151-after-temporary-blockage-reduced-deadly-crashes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM-9Q9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPZGZSM0hpUm0xQkIyZERlAR4MOUEF5exPiMbggkR9BoqUEup1oVQ60iCHr7ZaPLNDb-qUCm_t8lFDLuuG5A_aem_Bdxbx-YN-PPWSLYOsHCDaQ

Long-term, US-18/151 needs to put on its big boy pants and become a full freeway. 

The Wisconsin legislature needs to put on their big boy pants and make >25 MPH over the speed limit a criminal offense, with anything >40 MPH over automatic reckless driving, license suspension and seizure of the vehicle. 

They should permanently keep County K closed, or install an overpass and interchange if it's truly necessary. 

[The Ghostbuster]

The first PIM for the relaunched US 18/151 Corridor Study is on October 9th at 5:30 PM. The location of the meeting will be at the Mount Horeb High School in Mount Horeb. The study's website is located here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/18151study/default.aspx.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Not quite. It has to go before the city's planning commission for approval. The judge involved in the case also ordered both sides to meet, and apparently the citizen's group can file another lawsuit if it doesn't go their way.  Early 2027 if everything goes the city's way.

Meanwhile, in DeForest, the state granted $4 million towards the new I-39/90/94 interchange at County V, but that still leaves them at least $4 million short with what Buc-ee's has pledged towards the project.

The state Assembly passed a proposal in May for a tax-incremental financing district to cover the development, but it is awaiting state Senate approval.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/22/buc-ees-in-wisconsin-deforest-gets-state-money/85327261007/

Despite some opposition, city council in Oak Creek has approved the plans for Buc-ee's!

https://www.fox6now.com/news/oak-creek-buc-ees-proposal-approved-city-moving-forward

[WISFreeways]

The first PIM for the relaunched US 18/151 Corridor Study is on October 9th at 5:30 PM. The location of the meeting will be at the Mount Horeb High School in Mount Horeb. The study's website is located here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/18151study/default.aspx.

I await the day that one can drive from Columbus to Dodgeville on entirely freeways...

[The Ghostbuster]

That will likely be decades from now, so I hope you have a lot of patience.

[mgk920]

That will likely be decades from now, so I hope you have a lot of patience.

Well, we PATIENTLY waited the decades that were needed for what is now I-41 to evolve into what it is!

 

Mike

[SEWIGuy]

That will likely be decades from now, so I hope you have a lot of patience.

Well, we PATIENTLY waited the decades that were needed for what is now I-41 to evolve into what it is!

 

Mike

The traffic counts show why US-41 needed the upgrade. West of Verona and East of Sun Prairie the current set-up works fine outside of intersections that may need to be closed off like this one.

[tman]

That will likely be decades from now, so I hope you have a lot of patience.

Well, we PATIENTLY waited the decades that were needed for what is now I-41 to evolve into what it is!

 

Mike

The traffic counts show why US-41 needed the upgrade. West of Verona and East of Sun Prairie the current set-up works fine outside of intersections that may need to be closed off like this one.

Yeah, in my experience Wisconsin's expressway standards are much higher than neighboring states - they tend to not have stoplights, and bypass towns pretty effectively (Minnesota has lots more slowdowns on its expressways than Wisconsin does, like Worthington/Windom on MN 60, or the US 10 corridor (Wadena, Detroit Lakes, 65mph stoplight on MN 9/US 10). Ditto for Iowa, to a similar or somewhat lesser extent). Wisconsin's expressways definitely act more like a freeway in practice, despite potential cross traffic outside of towns. Of course there are exceptions (US 12 between Middleton and Sauk City).

[The Ghostbuster]

There are a number of expressways in Wisconsin that are planned to be upgraded to freeway standards in the future. Maybe that is why Wisconsin built them so well.

[peterj920]

Before upgrading the current expressways to freeway, rebuilding I-94 between Pewaukee and Cottage Grove should be prioritized. That stretch of I-94 between Wisconsin's two largest cities is crumbling with a roadbed that is shot, aging bridges, and deficient interchanges. Right now there's quite a few band aid projects to resurface the road which is happening more frequently due to a bad roadbed along with bridge replacements here and there.

Madison and Milwaukee need to be connected with modern 6 lane freeway to make travel more efficient and safer between Wisconsin's two largest cities.

[The Ghostbuster]

I totally agree that Interstate 94 between Exit 244 (CTH N) and Exit 290 (CTH SS) should be expanded to six lanes. However, it will likely be quite some time before that happens.

[mgk920]

There are also a significant number of people in both metros who are strongly agitating for rail passenger service to be restored in that corridor, something that I do not oppose.

Mike

[hobsini2]

The first PIM for the relaunched US 18/151 Corridor Study is on October 9th at 5:30 PM. The location of the meeting will be at the Mount Horeb High School in Mount Horeb. The study's website is located here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/18151study/default.aspx.

I await the day that one can drive from Columbus to Dodgeville on entirely freeways...

Think bigger. Cedar Rapids to Sheboygan. That's my dream.