GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Construction at the intersection of University and Webster Avenues means it takes more time to get to and from work.
“I have to travel down University to get to work every day and I mean it’s only two roads, I mean, two lanes each way so when it gets congested it’s already a nightmare and then you add traffic and the construction on top of it and some days I can’t even get anywhere. I call my boss and I tell him you know what, I can’t make it today,” said Francesco Lancia. He has lived in Green Bay for about six years.
Now the Department of Public Works says University Avenue will be closing between North Quincy and North Irwin streets.
The closure will allow public works to reconstruct the intersection, by evening the road, and replacing the intersection’s stop lights and street signs.
It’s not the news he wanted to hear, but…
“I can see the benefit in the long run but I think it’s just going to be hard to, in the short-term, wait it out,” said Lancia.
It’s the same case for Melissa Pryes.
She’s lived in Green Bay most of her life.
“Webster has always been a stressful commute,” said Pryes. “But it’s nice that they’re doing something with it, the construction it’s just it’s making my mornings longer and my evenings longer, the traffic it’d just be really nice for them to get it done and over with.”
Even though the construction backs up traffic, Pryes says she’s glad something is being done about the roads.
“You know, when you got a decent vehicle and you’re driving on the roads there are potholes everywhere,” she said. “You know, you’re worried about the maintenance on your vehicle and what’s going to happen. So it was definitely needed, it’s just a long process.”
Like many others, both Pryes and Lancia want to see work finish on the roads.
“Hurry up! Get this done! I need my path back!” said Pryes with a laugh.
“To try to do it quickly because it’s going to get cold soon and you don’t want to work in the wintertime,” Lancia said.
Green Bay Public Works says that closure is expected to start on Monday and wrap up on October 13. In the meantime people will still have access to homes and businesses.
