Roads / Highways Portfolio

USH 45 is a major transportation link through the City of Eagle River supporting businesses, industry, tourism, and access to the plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities in northern Wisconsin. The existing roadway was a 4-lane undivided principal arterial traveling both east/west and north/south through Eagle River. The asphalt pavement and curb and gutter was deteriorating along the entire roadway. Functional issues on the east/west portion needed to be addressed, including substandard sidewalk and curb ramps, drainage, and an above average crash rate. Becher Hoppe was contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and through coordination with state and local officials, various agencies, and the public, a roadway reconfiguration project was proposed transforming the 4-lane roadway into a 2-lane roadway with a median two-way left turn lane. The project resulted in reduced roadway speeds, lower crash rates, and safer, more accessible pedestrian facilities.