Bayfield street reconstruction project

​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Washburn are combining efforts to reconstruct Bayfield Street (Hwy 13), from Thompson Creek to Superior Ave.  Work will include utility replacement, road reconstruction and other items to be identified.  The anticipated construction will be from 2024-2027. 

​Update - Phase 1
Bayfield Street Reconstruction Project          August 30, 2023
​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has bid out its portion of Phase 1 of the Bayfield Street Reconstruction Project, and has awarded a contract to Hoffman Construction Company of Black River Falls.  The City’s portion of this work (parking lanes, street lighting, and concrete terraces) is estimated to be close to $1 million.  

Paving work of the detour route along Bigelow and Holman Lakeview Drive is expected to start in the latter half of September.  And the City will soon be involved with discussions on details of how the rest of the project will commence in the spring of 2024.  

In September, the City will be releasing its bid package for the water, sewer, and some stormwater work.  It is expected that this will cost a few million dollars.  Bids will be received at the end of September, and staff will review and make a recommendation to Council for approval of a contractor.  

A Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $1 million has been received for this project, and the City has an application pending with the DNR Safe Drinking Water Program (water expenses), and is working on the application for the DNR Clean Water Fund Program (sewer expenses). 

Once all of the cost estimates and grant application results are known, the City will be able to put together the financing plan for the total costs, along with other needs for the City, prior to the project starting in April of 2024.  Staff will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
Public Meeting - Phase 2 Bayfield Street Reconstruction Project       July 17, 2023
​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) held a Public Involvement Meeting regarding the proposed reconstruction project on WIS 13 from the Washington Ave. to Superior Ave. in the City of Washburn.

The proposed improvements would consist of removing and reconstructing the existing pavement with concrete pavement, replacing the curb and gutter and sidewalk.  Other proposed work will consist of replacing storm sewer, sanitary sewer, watermain and streetlights. 

Below is a recording of the meeting, with presentation (about 60 min.) and the Q&A period following.  You can also find the comment form below, or contact the project manager for any specific questions of the WisDOT's scope of work:  Jessica Bowker, WisDOT Project Manager
718 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, by email at Jessica.Bowker@dot.wi.gov, or by telephone at (715) 577-2963.
Public Meeting Comment Form - WIS 13
File Size: 59 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
WIS 13 Project Meeting Notice 6.29.23
File Size: 259 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Phase 2 Bayfield St. Fact Sheet
File Size: 1570 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
 Scope of Work
Wisconsin DOT           ​​
​As the City and WisDOT prepare for this project, construction will occur in two phases.  Both phases will start at Washington Ave and work outward.  
 City of Washburn - Utility Upgrades
  • Water Main
  • Sanitary Sewer
  • Stormwater Sewer
  • Downtown Decorative Street Lights
  • To Be Determined: sidewalks, turn lanes
​
Picture



   Project Goals
  1. Discuss preparations with the Chamber, business and other property owners along the route that can be taken to allow access and traffic  to businesses during construction.
  2. Inspect the water and sewer lateral services to all properties along the construction route to determine which properties will be required  to replace laterals.
  3. Work with the Public and Wis DOT to determine the best detour routes for the community during the phases of the project, as well as scenarios for traffic flow.
  4. Plan for financing the overall project as well as addressing considerations for sidewalk replacement and street lighting.
​Phase 1  -  (2nd Ave W to Thompson Creek)
  • At the Feb. 7, 2022 City Council Mtg., Council approved the Multi-directional Detour Route along Bigelow St and Holman Lakeview Dr.  Council further approved one stage of construction.
  • Construction Zone between arrows on map, starting at 2nd Ave W and working west.  Detailed Map
  • Anticipated time line:  April 2024 -  October 2024
​​Phase 2  -  (2nd Ave W to Superior Ave)
  • Construction Zone between arrows on map, starting at 2nd Ave W and working east.
  • Anticipated Detour Route is multi-directional along Washington Ave and Maki Rd.  With construction also occurring in one stage.
  • Anticipated start time:  April 2026 or April 2027
We would like your feedback as we continue working with WisDOT.  Please click the button below to leave your comments.