WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids will begin reconstruction of East Jackson Street this month, from East Grand Avenue to the Jackson Street bridge in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. Work will be completed in two phases:
•Phase 1 will run from East Grand Avenue to 3rd Street/Market Street. This section is scheduled to close to through traffic beginning April 29.
•Phase2 will run from 3rd Street/Market Street to the Jackson Street bridge and is expected to begin July 13.
In addition to replacing underground utilities, East Jackson Street will be redesigned to create a more appropriately scaled roadway and enhanced streetscaping. Market Street will be vacated to allow Wood County to construct a new parking lot in front of their Courthouse and Jail building.
A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of 3rd Street/Market Street, providing access to Wood County’s parking lot, 3rd Street and East Jackson Street. A roundabout will also be constructed at the intersection of East Jackson Street and 2nd Street, with 2nd Street extending to the Baker Street roundabout.
To support future development of the ‘triangle property’ at 111 East Jackson St., the segment of 1st Street North between East Jackson Street and Baker Street will be vacated.
These changes align with the Downtown Master Plan, which provides “a vision for growth and development to reach a better future for downtown and its users.” The plan aims to improve connections to downtown businesses and parks, boost economic growth, increase housing and highlight the Wisconsin River.
Kyle Kearns, community development director, said, “The city has moved quickly to carry out key parts of the Downtown Master Plan. Many elements are coming together in this construction project, which will bring new energy to downtown and be catalytic toward additional reinvestment and development. It’s a great example of strong municipal planning and partnerships.”
View the Downtown Master Plan: www.wirapids.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/38
View East Jackson Street reconstruction plans and sign up to receive project updates: www.wirapids.gov/198/Transportation-Projects
View updates regarding street closures during the City’s 4th of July event, Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest: www.wirapids.gov/608/Rapids-Riverside-Freedom-Fest
Questions regarding the East Jackson Street reconstruction project can be directed to:
Joe Eichsteadt, PE
City Engineer
715-421-8251
Questions regarding the Downtown Master Plan can be directed to:
Kyle Kearns
Community Development Director
715-421-8225
