By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
While the project is still five years in the making, preparations for the state’s planned reconstruction of Highway 59 within Whitewater are already underway.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is overseeing the work along Highway 59, but there are some aspects of the project that fall on the city’s shoulders, including hiring a professional firm to value property that is subject to the legalize right-of-way easements on impacted properties.
Twenty-five properties will be impacted on Highway 59 when the work takes place in 2020 between Newcomb Street and Sunrise Lane.
In an effort to get a handle of how much will have to be dolled out to use the easements, the Common Council on Aug. 4 voted to enter into a $30,525 contract with Madison-based MSA Professional Services.
As part of the city’s arrangement with the DOT, Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell said the city will front the funds to MSA Professional Services, but they will be fully reimbursed by the state agency.
McDonell said the city solicited price quotes and project proposals from firms in mid-May. In all, five companies responded to Whitewater’s overtures.
“All five firms are certified by DOT to perform this work,” McDonell said. “Staff reviewed the proposals. Based on cost, workload and experience, staff is recommending entering into a contract with MSA Professional Services.”
In addition to submitting the lowest cost proposal, McDonell said he and other city staffers recommended moving forward with MSA Professional services because the company “completed a significant amount of similar work on other DOT projects.”
Plans call for representatives of MSA Professional Services to perform the valuations later this year.
Public meeting set for next week
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Southeast Region announced a public involvement meeting for the proposed reconstruction of Highway 59 (Milwaukee Street) from Highway 12 to Newcomb Street, in the city and town of Whitewater.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the community room at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St. Note that the meeting has been moved from the initial location, the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, to the library.
Being held as an informal open house format, the meeting will begin with a short presentation at 4:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. WisDOT representatives will be available to discuss the proposed project and address questions or concerns. WisDOT Real Estate representatives will also be on hand to discuss the real estate process and impacts to property with affected property owners.
The proposed construction – currently scheduled for spring/summer of 2020 –includes milling and resurfacing of the existing pavement on Highway 59 from Highway 12 to Old County P, reconstruction from Old County P to Clay Street, and reconstruction from Clay Street to Newcomb Street.
The roundabout at the intersection of Clay and Milwaukee streets will not be included in this project.
Pedestrian accommodations will be provided from Old County P to Newcomb Street. Bicycle accommodations will be provided along the entire length of the project.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the Aug. 26 meeting, provide input and ask questions concerning the project. Maps showing the proposed improvements will be on display. WisDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project on an individual basis.
Those unable to attend but seeking additional information are asked to contact project manager Gary Metzer at (262) 548-8727. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Gary Metzer, WisDOT, 141 N.W. Barstow St., P.O. Box 798, Waukesha, WI, 53187 by Sept. 9, 2015. Those submitting comments are asked to refer to Project ID 3110-02-01.
Citizens who require a sign language interpreter may request one by contacting Metzer at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay System (dial 711).
