Just over a dozen people attended the August 6^th  Public Involvement Meeting hosted by WisDOT at the Abbotsford City Hall. The purpose of the public meeting was to gather input on the identified needs and proposed improvements along WIS 29 from Cty D in Owen east to WIS 13 in Abbotsford.

The project will address the condition of the existing pavement on WIS 29 and at the Cardinal Avenue, County E and Hi Line Avenue interchanges. Pavement distress includes cracking, failing joints and rutting. The project will also look at improvements to the decks on the east and westbound bridges over County D and the railroad tracks just to the east of County D which are showing deterioration. Culvert work is also needed to address drainage issues. It was reported that the original pavement was placed in the 1990s and if no action is taken, the pavement structure life will be significantly reduced.

Recommended improvements include:

-Repairing the existing concrete pavement on WIS 29 and the ramps at the Cty E interchange and then overlaying the roadway and ramps with asphalt pavement.

- Overlaying the ramps at Cardinal Avene east of Owen and Hi Line Avenue in Abbotsford with asphalt.

- Replacing guardrail to meet current WisDOT standards

-Repairing the decks on the east and westbound WIS 29 bridges over Cty D and the railroad tracks to the east and placing a thin bonded polymer overlay over them.

- Cleaning and repairing culverts to improve drainage.

- Repairing the median inlets near Owen adjacent to concrete barrier wall.

-Completing minor grading of ditches.

Construction is scheduled for 2026, beginning in the spring and ending in the fall. During this time motorists will encounter short-term lane closures with all lanes open to weekend traffic. There will be longer lane closures for bridge work. County E and Cardinal Avenue ramps will be closed during pavement repair and asphalt paving with traffic to be redirected to the next interchange to then circle back on 29 to the corresponding open ramp. A temporary concrete barrier to protect motorists and workers will be placed along the lane closures at the locations of barrier wall inlet repair. No real estate purchases are anticipated.

WisDOT Consultant Project Manager Zach VanOstrand and Mead & Hunt Consultant Project Manager Scott Hasburgh, along with another representative presented the project and were on hand to answer questions.

Landowner Pat McNeely inquired if anything could be done about the rumble strips on 29. His property is close to the highway, and he said the noise nearly rattles his house. Hasburgh replied this is a necessary safety measure and is not sure yet how close the rumble strips will be on the new resurfacing of the road.

Another attendee inquired about the length of the lane closures. Hasburgh answered, “we cannot have more than five miles closed at one time and at no point in the summer will both lanes be closed.”

Another question posed was how long this repair work would last and he answered the proposed 2026 improvements should last 20 years.

Before and after the presentation the group were encouraged to look at the map of the proposed project that sprawled across several tables. Those in attendance were given an input sheet to fill out and either leave with them or mail before August 27, 2024. Comments and questions can also be directed by phone or email to:

Zach VanOstrand, PE, WisDOT Consultant Project Manager, (612)427-2838, zachvanostrand@peservicesmn.com or Scott Hasburgh, Mead & Hunt Consultant Project Manager, (608)443-0436, scott.hasburgh@meadhunt.com

Written input should include name, address, daytime phone, optional email address along with printed comments and mailed to: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 718 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, Attn.: Christina O’Brien.