Frequently Asked Questions

 

Hastings Way FAQ's

SOURCE: SEH, Inc.

 

1. How was the project initiated?

The City of Eau Claire negotiated an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for the jurisdictional transfer of Hastings Way (US 53). A condition of the agreement was that WisDOT would pay for the cost of rebuilding Hastings Way, with any enhancements being the responsibility of the City of Eau Claire. The agreement further stated that the City would be responsible for the design and construction from Clairemont Avenue north o the Eau Claire River.

2. What are the limits of the project?

The project involves 1.4 miles of Hastings Way from Clairemont Avenue north to the Eau Claire River bridges.

3. What is the project timeline?

The land use planning and roadway design development will occur over the next six (6) months with a goal to have a final concept design approved in the Fall of 2010. Construction is planned to occur from April - October, 2011.

4. How will the design for the project be developed?

The City of Eau Claire recently retained the services of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc (SEH©) to assist with the public involvement, corridor planning, traffic analysis, roadway design, and construction administration of the project. Over the next six (6) months the City, with the assistance of the planners and transportation engineers from SEH, will be conducting a series of meetings to identify and understand the issues relating to the design, develop a range of alternatives, and then narrow the alternatives down to a Preferred Alternative to carry forward into construction.

5. What is the planning area for the project?

The planning area for the project is bounded on the south by Clairemont Avenue, on the west by Keith Street and Chapin Street, on the north by the Eau Claire River and on the east by Harlem Street and Fairfax Street.

6. What are the anticipated project costs and funding sources?

The City of Eau Claire 5-year Capital Improvement Program, approved by the City Council in November 2009, included funding in the amount of $8.34 million for the project. The appropriations include $1.9 million for utility reconstruction, $5.6 million for roadwork and $840,000 for planning, engineering, and construction administration. WisDOT has contributed $6.31 million for the construction and design of the project in accordance with the jurisdictional transfer agreement.

7. How has traffic changed since the opening of the new Highway 53 Freeway?

Average annual daily traffic volume in the section south of Main Street has decreased 56% from 48,300 in 2003 to 21,100 in 2008.

8. Will right-of-way or businesses/homes need to be acquired for the project?

At the present time it is not anticipated that any business or home acquisition or relocation will be required for the project. Every attempt will be made to construct the project within the existing right-of-way. Some right-of-way may be required to accommodate the reconfiguration of the Brackett Avenue intersection and provide adequate land for constrction of any pedestrian overpass or underpass that may be part of the project. Any right-of-way acquisition for the project will be completed in accordance with the applicable state law requirements. Temporary construction permits from properties abutting the construction may be necessary in order to tie in driveways, parking lots and yards to the new roadway construction.

9. What type of changes might we see for Hastings Way?

Changes to the roadway will be dependent on public input, a traffic analysis, intersection design, and future land use planning efforts that will take place over the next six (6) months. Changes may include enhanced accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians, improved business access, intersection changes, enhanced street lighting, and aesthetic and landscaping improvements. All the changes will be reviewed, discussed, and evaluated during the course of the project.

10. How can I stay informed and involved in the project design and construction?

Interested parties who want to stay informed and be involved in the project design and construction may contact the following idividuals below to be added to the project mailing list. Visit the City of Eau Claire website at www.eauclairewi.gov for additional information as the project progresses.