Mequon Clog: The Blog of the Clog!

Below is a letter recently emailed to me.
My comment: I never received a notice about a regularly scheduled public information meeting -- where is this notice?
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Thought the blog might like to see how the DOT sees this project!
How many people have seen them working during the evening?

October 11,2007

Dear __________

Thank you for your email on ________ and your interest in this project on State Highway 167 (Mequon Road). I understand your concern and empathize with you for the inconvenience this construction project may have caused you.

Our overall goal for the State of Wisconsin Transportation System is to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow both now and well into the future. Due to the aging infrastructure we are challenged with needs along the entire system.

The quickest way to improve the construction project would be to close it to traffic and allow the contractor to "get in and out" as quickly as possible without having to deal with traffic. However, this is not practical due to the businesses, schools, churches and residential along this project. For these reasons we utilize stage construction.

In addition we are working at night to help reduce the conflicts and delays with the public utilizing this highway. It may appear that little work is being done, however as I mentioned above some of this work is occurring at night and some of this work is underground. Examples would be storm sewer; traffic signal electrical conduit and loops are being installed. Despite the heavy rains we have seen the concrete contractor missed only one day on the project due to rain, yet we received record rainfall of 18 inches in the month of August.

Also I can assure you that public comments received at our scheduled Public Informational Meetings are incorporated into the projects. We are trying to construct this project as quickly and safely as possible, which includes utilizing night and staged construction to minimize impacts to the public.

If you would like an update on the construction schedule please feel free to call me at 262-521-5335.

Sincerely

Michael J. Murphy PE
Project Development Supervisor
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Southeast Region
262-521-5335