By Tracy Ouellette
Editor
In response to numerous requests for the Walworth County Department of Public Works to open Marsh Road as an alternative detour for the Highway J closure during the Beulah Dam project and reports of people moving the barricades out of the way so the road can be accessed, the DPW issued a warning to drivers – Marsh Road is closed for a reason.
“It might look like you can meander through it, but it’s unsafe,” DPW Central Services Director Kevin Brunner said Monday morning.
The intersection of Marsh Road and Highway J is closed as it is being reconstructed as part of the spillway replacement project. During construction, a part of Marsh Road is needed for the contractors’ equipment, staging of materials, temporary utility connections and a water diversion channel.
“A number of people have contacted us about opening Marsh Road,” Brunner said. “Unfortunately we can’t because we’re utilizing it for the project.”
He said Monday that even if the DPW wasn’t using the road for the project, opening it as a detour wasn’t possible.
“We can’t detour to a local road, we don’t control local roads,” he said. “Those local roads are not built for the heavier truck traffic you see on county trunk highways. We can’t just open it to local traffic; if it’s a little bit of a shortcut everybody uses it.”
In a press release from the DPW, Brunner wrote: “After serious review and consideration of all the factors and concerns, we have no alternative but to continue with the current Traffic Control Plan which addresses various aspects pertaining to the Construction Zone policies that roadway construction organizations must follow, which are strictly governed by various federal organizations, such as DOT, FHWA and OSHA.”
Don’t move the barricades
Brunner said that while DPW workers had not witnessed the barricades being moved, they have received reports of it being done and it was concerning.
“We have to take out the existing structure and at some point and there’s going to be a hole there,” he said. “People might think they can get through if they did before, but that might lead to a disastrous situation.”
According to a press release from the DPW, the current signage will be updated to let everyone know that the “Bridge is Closed” and entry to the construction zone is prohibited.
Brunner said they understood that the detour is an inconvenience, especially for those drivers coming from just west of the project, but it was necessary.
“This is a once in a lifetime project,” he said. “The inconvenience compared to the benefit it small.”
He also wanted the public to know that they’re doing everything in their power to get the job done as quickly as possible. The projected completion date is Aug. 20, but they were hopeful it would be finished sooner.
Brunner also said the residents who had piers taken out for the project, should have them back in the water no later than July 1.
“We sympathize with the people who live around there, but it’s a temporary situation and we’re going to get out of there as soon as we can,” Brunner said.
Keep kids off the equipment
Brunner also requested parents and caregivers in the area make sure to keep the children off the equipment being used in the project.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that construction sites and large equipment can make a very dangerous, but attractive playground for children. Please warn children of dangers and keep them clear of the construction area and equipment,” he wrote in the press release.
