New roundabouts are in the works for downtown Wisconsin Rapids

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – Two roundabouts will be constructed near the new jail in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. This is part of the East Jackson Street project currently in the first phase and crews are working on the upper stretch of Jackson Street from the intersection by McMillan Library down to the Wood County Courthouse.

The plan includes vacating a section of Market Street. A section will remain exiting the roundabout onto Market Street. This is so the courthouse address doesn’t change and jail staff still have access to their parking lot.

The remainder of Market Street will be vacated. It will likely be turned into a parking lot for easier access to the courthouse. The roundabout will be at the intersection of East Jackson Street, 3rd Street North, and the remainder of Market Street.

Planning Commission Meeting on June 1

Community Development Director Kyle Kearns spoke during the June 1 Planning Commission Meeting.

“ It all ties back to the downtown master plan that was done last year,” said Kearns. “A lot of public engagement for about a year which culminated to the final adoption by the planning commission and the common council of essentially what’s being implemented; which is creating a new development pad along the riverfront, extending Second Street, vacating Market.”

Kearns went on to explain several options were considered in the plan. However, the ultimate goal is a better utilization of the space and increase the flow of traffic.

“…they all essentially result in the same thing, which is to eliminate a few of those roads that essentially are funneling traffic in the same direction, better utilize the space, create better traffic flow,” said Kearns. “Somewhat slow traffic because in your downtown, slowing traffic means more people are inclined to stop and shop and stay.”

2nd Street will be extended

The second roundabout will be placed at the intersection of 2nd Street North and East Jackson Street. The roadway will continue through to the roundabout on Baker Street and 1st Street North. It will go through the triangle lot that is being used right now as parking for the courthouse and jail.

Phase 2 is anticipated to start on July 13th when crews will begin the stretch from the Jackson Street Bridge to Market Street. City Council has been talking about this plan for several years now and it’s all part of the downtown master plan that was approved last year.