By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to the 511 Wisconsin Construction Projects website of the WI Department of Transportation (DOT), a major construction project that begins on March 6 will be closing the route to Fort Atkinson that is routinely taken by many area residents. The affected area, extending nearly four miles on US Hwy 12, begins at Buckingham Road (which is across Hwy 12 and just south of Twinkling Star Road, where Binggs Restaurant is located) and continues north to County (Cty) M (where Baker Glass is located). DOT states, “Reconstruction will include removing and replacing the existing pavement, base course layer, sub-base course layer, pavement marking, and permanent signing. Other improvements will include widening the shoulders and safety zone, modifying three substandard horizontal curves to meet current design standards, and replacing drainage structures.” Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Although DOT indicates that the project starts “just north of the Whitewater bypass,” an approximate two mile segment from Business Highway 12 (Main Street) to Buckingham was reconstructed several years ago, and presumably is not included in this year’s project. Although an inconvenience, many drivers will likely be pleased to see the remainder of the rural section repaved, as it has been notoriously difficult to navigate during rain, with ruts that can contribute to hydroplaning.
DOT indicates that the detour will be Highways 59 and 26, which is a result of their policy that calls for detours to be routed over state highways. Most Whitewater area residents, however, will likely prefer taking Cty N (from Tratt Street) north to State Hwy 106 and west into Fort Atkinson. Alternatively one could reach Hwy 12 from Cty N by traveling west on Cty M.
A meeting with more information about construction impacts is scheduled for March 1 at 5 p.m. at the Town of Koshkonong Town Hall, W5609 Star School Road.
