The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will conduct a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the future conversion of state Highway 29 to a freeway from County Road Q in Marathon County to U.S. Highway 45 in Wittenberg.
The meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library, 435 Curtis Ave., in Hatley. A brief presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the plan, discuss the preferred alternative for the future freeway conversion of this section of Highway 29, and update the public on next steps, which include officially mapping the right of way, two public hearings and formal freeway designation.
This section of Highway 29 is currently an “expressway.” Expressways provide access to and from the highway through interchanges, local roads and private driveways. As Highway 29 is converted to a freeway, all the at-grade, stop-controlled intersections would be replaced by well-spaced interchanges, grade separations (overpasses or underpasses), cul-de-sacs and alternate connections.
There are no construction projects associated with the study. The highway will be converted to a freeway as mobility and safety needs warrant changes, and as funding becomes available.
WisDOT is seeking feedback and any information that will help the department move forward with the next steps. Adjacent property and business owners are encouraged to attend the meeting. Citizens who are hearing impaired and require an interpreter may request one by contacting Kristin McHugh at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay System (711).