WisDOT STH 23

GRAEF provided engineering and design services for the STH 23 expressway improvements from USH 151 to Taft Road in Fond du Lac County. This section of STH 23 was part of an overall corridor expansion, completing a four-lane divided roadway between the Cities of Fond du Lac and Plymouth. A key aspect of the project was providing motorists with a safer, easier way to navigate the highway. The new, wider 4-lane highway is appropriately sized to handle the current traffic load. Dangerous at-grade crossings were replaced with two new interchanges, greatly reducing the potential for conflicts and accidents at difficult highway intersections. Additionally, there were numerous driveways that accessed STH 23 directly. The area was reconfigured and a roadway parallel to the highway was designed, so drivers no longer need to enter directly onto STH 23, but instead use a safer roadway leading to safer access points.

Perhaps the most notable safety enhancement was at St. Mary’s Springs Academy. Dangerous at-grade intersections for school access were replaced with a new interchange making coming and going from the school much safer for students and faculty. CTH K was moved and new parking lots were located so that students were no longer required to cross the highway to access the school. Safety concerns were addressed in the five roundabouts GRAEF designed throughout the corridor. A multi-lane roundabout was located at Wisconsin American Drive, while single lane roundabouts were designed for the CTH K jug handle ramp termini and STH 23/CTH UU ramp intersections. Of interest, STH 23 is an OSOW route that transports wind turbines from Manitowoc to destinations to the west. These transports are over 205 feet long and have only a 6-inch clearance. Specific detail was required to ensure these transport vehicles can make the roundabout turns and that they provide adequate vertical clearances.

Community members love the safer, easier thoroughfare and County and State officials have very positive comments on its success. Not only did the design solve safety problems, but it fixed long-time environmental concerns and it makes getting from here to there a more pleasant experience.