Wausau Pilot & Review

The city of Wausau, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation, is planning improvements to West Wausau Avenue between Stevens Drive and North 10th Avenue. A public involvement meeting is set for Feb. 29.

During the public involvement meeting, planners will share the purpose of the project along with the anticipated improvements, real estate needs, construction staging and other details. Attendees can ask questions about the project as well.

The open house-style meeting is set for 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29 at City Hall, 407 Grant St., Wausau, inside council chambers. A brief presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m.

Several needs have been identified along this section of West Wausau Avenue: 

• The existing pavement is original (1968) and has met the end of its service life with cracking and deterioration  throughout. 

• City of Wausau municipal utilities (sewer and water) are deteriorated. 

• Existing curb ramps do not meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards. 

• There are no pedestrian accommodations along the south side of the roadway. 

The proposed improvements will be evaluated during the design process. Improvements along West Wausau Avenue  are anticipated to include: 

• Pavement reconstruction including new curb and gutter. 

• Storm sewer modifications, where required, to address drainage. 

• Reconstruction of existing sidewalk and curb ramps to meet ADA standards, where feasible. • Reconstruction of sanitary sewer and watermain. 

• Pending public input, the City may also construct a new sidewalk along the south side of the roadway to  improve pedestrian access. 

Construction is currently scheduled for 2026. The City is requesting public comments on the project by March 14, 2024. 

For more information about the project, contact Allen Wesolowski, City Engineer, (715) 261-6740,  [email protected] or Stephanie Christensen, EMCS Project Manager, (715) 318-9017,  [email protected], or visit the project website at  https://www.wausauwi.gov/your-government/engineering/street-projects/proposed-projects.