Highway 35 improvement ideas studied by La Crosse residents at Wisconsin DOT event

Transportation planners in Wisconsin are busy studying ways to improve Highway 35 through La Crosse, from the far south side up to I-90.

Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (DOT) had several maps on display at the Main Street Library on Tuesday for the community to comment about, as they viewed possible street changes.

Study manager Michelle Howe with the DOT said some priorities are already known.

“The biggest needs that we’ve identified are safety, as a primary need along the entire corridor,” said Howe. “Obviously, we’re also looking at all the infrastructure needs, so that includes different pavement deficiencies,” including repair work on bridges in La Crosse. “About 60 per cent of the pavement along the corridor is in need of replacement.”

Howe added that actual construction on segments of 35 in La Crosse may not happen for another five years.

Highway 35 is a major freight route for trucks to move through La Crosse. It’s also a popular alternative to other north-south roads through the city, such as Highways 14, 16 and 53.