OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A reconstruction project in the City of Oconto is open for business.
Crews spent months rebuilding Harbor Road and part of the Splinter Causeway at Breakwater Park.
At the intersection of Oconto County Highway Y and Harbor Road, a quarter-mile stretch of pavement leads vehicles toward the waters of Green Bay and a popular park.
“That’s the one place Oconto’s known for, is the harbor area, especially in the spring time. It’s obviously a destination for walleye fishermen from around the country,” said Jeremy Wusterbarth, Oconto City Public Works And Utilities Department superintendent.
Wusterbarth says years of high Great Lakes water levels took a toll on many roads in the area, and it was time to rebuild. Now, there are wider lanes, curbs and gutters, a new bicycle-pedestrian trail and two parking lanes for vehicles with trailers.
“To help with that overflow of fishermen that come in during the spring and during the season.”
Wusterbarth says the boat landing is reconstructed, and there’s more parking too. About half of the Splinter Causeway is getting an upgrade as well.
“Through that section we raised that road up about two feet. We added extra heavy rip-rap on both sides to make sure we hold that road together.”
Harbor Road opened in September. Area businesses say they’re optimistic about the economic impact.
“I hope that it creates a little more space for fishermen, for regular boaters. It creates a place where they can come park, walk around, obviously, and enjoy our restaurant,” said Deborah Sikora, The Dockside Food & Spirits manager.
City leaders say the rest of the causeway could be completed in the coming years.
Wusterbarth says the project cost is about $1 million. He says Oconto residents are paying about 90% of the cost, with a grant from the state covering the rest.
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