SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) – Talks continue about what to do with the dangerous Highway 29 and County U intersection in Shawano County.
While the final decision will be made by the State Department of Transportation, Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber is offering his opinion on how the project should be handled.
After multiple fatal accidents have taken place at the intersection in recent years, he says making a safe interchange would be the best option, but it comes with a high price tag.
“It is a rural county and there is not as much traffic as other areas in the state. I am very confident that the DOT is not going to give us $17 million dollars to improve that intersection.
Bieber says there are three parts to his plan, which two of the three improve visibility for vehicles looking to turn onto Highway 29. The Sheriff feels not being able to see cars is the top cause of the crashes.
He says a hill on Highway 29 is just high enough to make it difficult to safely cross Highway 29 from County U.
“When someone comes to that intersection and look to the left, cars are hidden beyond that hill and it is too late for them to stop to avoid a T-bone crash.
He says while driving the speed limit will help, cars need to be able to see other cars to know when it is safe to cross.
“I am going to ask the DOT to remove that hill, widen the medians and also ask for a better turnoff for County U for folks who are making a right-hand turn towards Gresham.
He explains that if the median in between lanes of Highway 29 is widened, a vehicle can safely fit there and cross two lanes of traffic at a time rather than trying to cross all four.
When it comes to right turn lane from Highway 29 onto County U, Bieber’s concern is that vehicles moving over to turn right off of 29 may block the view of oncoming traffic for people looking to turn on the 29 from County U.
The other option that the DOT has is a J-Turn, but Bieber says that too can be problematic.
“Most people never have had to use a J-Turn, especially in this rural area, so obviously there is hesitation just because of change.”
The State DOT is working with the County and have a timeline in place that includes public input, meetings, and plans before a decision is made.
