Sewer grates, pedestrian crossings latest issue for disagreement over redo of Hwy. 33

The latest dispute between the city of La Crosse and the Wisconsin DOT is largely over sewer grates.

The city and state agency have frequently been at odds over plans for state highway repairs.

Now, La Crosse engineers have expressed frustration with the DOT because the agency has ideas about the planned resurfacing of Jackson Street — which is also part of State Highway 33 — in 2021 that will inevitably lead to street flooding due to storm sewer grates the DOT prefers.

City engineers want the state to go back to the drawing board, also noting the DOT pedestrian crossings are supposed to be more ADA compliant — the grates also happen to be more dangerous for the visually impaired.

“Horrible for visually impaired who can’t find the way to cross,” La Crosse traffic engineer Matt Gallagher said.

The Jackson Street project is planned for 3rd Street to Losey Boulevard and will include bike lanes and elimination of parking on the north side of the street.

Of course, the city has already had disagreements with the DOT on the Jackson Street resurfacing project related to issues like parking and bike lanes.