Roberts exit to get overhaul

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The I-94 bridge in Roberts will see some much-needed improvements in a few years.

According to Jim Koening, Wisconsin Department of Transportation project manager, the bridge over Highway 94 is scheduled for replacement.

“The bridge is starting to show signs of needing replacement,” Koening said.

The bridge will not be the only structure in Roberts near Interstate 94 to undergo changes. There are several other items scheduled for a facelift as well.

In addition to the bridge structure replacement, Koening said the four ramps servicing the bridge will also be reworked.

“All four ramps will also be realigned,” Koening said. “They will become a typical diamond structure, not the back to back curves like they are now.”

With the lessening of the curves going onto and off of the interstate, traffic will more easily flow through the area, according to Koening.

The interstate itself will also undergo some changes, associated with the project.

The hill west of the Roberts bridge will be flattened in order to increase the stopping sight distance, leading up to the Roberts exit.

A traffic signal will also be added to the eastbound I-94 ramp, Koening said. It has not been decided what type of signal will be put in place, but WisDOT has been looking at adding a round-about at that location.

The area of the intersection of 70th Avenue and Highway 65 will also undergo changes.

According to Koening, a study showing several crash problems at the intersection has led WisDOT to consider improving the intersection.

“We have been looking at adding designated left turn lanes at that intersection,” Koening said.

The I-94 bridge replacement project, along with the changes to the interstate and the 70th Avenue intersection projects are slated for 2012.

Tags: robertswisconsin, i94bridge, improvements