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. 

Public Notice -Wikdal Park Proposed Right-of-Way Conversion - Phase 1
​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) is seeking public comment regarding the WIS 13 project (ID: 8160-00-05(75)) in Bayfield County, WI.  The portion of the proposed project within the City of Washburn, will have an impact on Wikdal Park.

The proposed project would permanently convert 0.005 acres of existing Wikdal Park property into WIS 13 highway right-of-way.  This strip of park land conversation is located on the south side of the park abutting WIS 13.  This permanent conversion of parkland to WIS 13 right-of-way is necessary to accommodate construction of the new sidewalk and associated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps.

An area of varied dimension from approximately 4.5 feet to 7.5 feet of width along the south border of Wikdal Park (WIS 13) will be used via Temporarily Limited Easement (TLE) for the new sidewalk and associated ADA curb ramp construction.  Landscaping and finishing activities will also be completed to fully restore the property to its original condition as part of the activities associated with the TLE. 

Interested parties are invited to review the information and provide any feedback and concerns directly to the project manager, Jessica Bowker by March 24, 2023. 

Comments regarding the proposed impacts to the City of Washburn Wikdal Park and the overall highway improvement project may be submitted to WisDOT in writing or through the WisDOT website during the 15-day comment period; the comment deadline is posted on the WisDOT project website above. 

Written comments may be provided to: Jessica Bowker, WisDOT Northwest Region, 718 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, by email at Jessica.Bowker@dot.wi.gov, or by telephone at (715) 577-2963.
WisDOT - Public Notice 8Mar23
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Wikdal Park Proposed Right-of-Way
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 Public Meeting - Phase 2 Bayfield Street Reconstruction Project  March 9, 2023
​The City of Washburn held two public information/opinion gathering sessions related to specific details of the Bayfield Street Phase 2 Reconstruction Project.   These sessions specifically focused on design details of the highway related to parking lanes, turning lanes, and sidewalk improvements along the portion of the highway from 2nd Avenue West to Superior Avenue.  

Below is a recording of the morning session, with presentation (about 25 min.) and the Q&A period following.  You can also find a fact sheet including scope of work and suggested improvements.  
Phase 2 Bayfield St. Fact Sheet
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​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.