Crossing at highways 11 and J has seen numerous crashes
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
The state Department of Transportation plans to construct a roundabout at a dangerous intersection nestled between the towns of Dover and Burlington on Highway 11, according to local officials.
Brian Graziano, Burlington Town Administrator, told the Town Board on Nov. 11 the DOT project is planned on Highway J, also known as English Settlement Avenue, and Highway 11.
However, Graziano said it is unclear when the DOT plans to start construction, noting the agency began initial discussions ranging from closures to completion date.
“Thus far the conversation about this project has entailed when it will be worked on and completed and if there will be a full closure of the intersection,” Graziano said in an email. “With a full closure the work can typically be done faster. Also, all businesses and homes will have access throughout the closure.”
Racine County officials are also aware of the project and said the DOT will assume full responsibility for the work.
Director Julie Anderson, of Racine County Public Works and Development Services, reiterated what Graziano said about the DOT plan.
“The DOT did a traffic study, and they determined that a roundabout is the best solution for this intersection,” Anderson said.
The traffic study and concluding resolution come after many local officials expressed concerns about traffic fatalities at the intersection two years ago.
During a two-vehicle crash in 2019 three people suffered serious injuries, including one who later died.
In response to the crash, county officials installed additional warning signs, rumbled strips on English Settlement Avenue, and reported the DOT planned to conduct a traffic study.
Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty said at the time she was among the local officials who asked the county to take steps to improve safety at the intersection.
The DOT initially plans on performing preliminary design and producing environmental studies in 2021 followed by additional public outreach before beginning the real estate acquisition process next year.
Officials anticipate beginning construction in 2024 and finishing the work later that year.
To read the full version of this story see the Nov. 18 edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
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