GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Drivers and bicyclists alike now have access to a newly redesigned North Webster Avenue between University Avenue and Radisson Street in Green Bay, following the completion of a $13.3 million public works project.
It was a windy, cold celebration packed with city leaders, contractors, and bicyclists Monday afternoon as Webster Avenue reopened to the public. Mayor Eric Genrich calls it a major improvement.
“This is a really important multi-modal connection between downtown Green Bay and Bay Beach and further east side. So we do have a multi-use trail associated with this road as well as bike lanes. So two full automobile lanes and then additional amenities, which I think is a great thing for the community” says Genrich.
The addition of bicycle and pedestrian lanes required widening the road. As part of the project, the city acquired and removed 24 homes to accommodate that decision. Utilities around the area were also fixed and replaced, including some pipes that dated back to the 1920s, according to Public Works Director Steve Grenier.
Grenier says the road opening is convenient for commuters who often travel that route, but it’s also a major artery for local hospitals.
“It’s primary access for St. Vincent and Bellin hospitals. They’re serving areas reaching up to and including the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.”
Grenier has been involved in this project for the past twelve years.
People traversing North Webster Avenue will still see orange barrels and barricades. Mayor Genrich tells us that’s because the city is still doing work in the vicinity.
Genrich says “that southern stretch between University and Main still needs some work, but the longest stretch, the stretch that had state involvement and federal support, that is open.”
North Webster Avenue had been closed to traffic since late March.
