The Wisconsin Rapids Public Works Committee convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss significant improvements to intersection control and design as part of the East Jackson Street recommendation project. The meeting focused on advancing the design phase following recent discussions with Kyle Kearns regarding modifications to Second Street, particularly between East Jackson and the Baker Street roundabout.

The committee noted that the Joint Review Board had recently met to consider the inclusion of the East Jackson and Second Street improvements as eligible projects under the downtown Tax Incremental District (TID). This development is crucial for moving forward with the design process.

City staff outlined a two-step approach for the project. First, they will conduct traffic counts and turning movement counts, alongside a survey of the area. An engineering firm, qualified in roundabout designs, will then evaluate this data, including crash history, to assess various intersection options. The firm will weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering costs, safety, and operational efficiency. The findings will be presented back to the committee for further review and recommendations.

The committee solicited proposals from eight engineering firms, receiving responses from two: Strand and Associates, and Bolton and Mink. Bolton and Mink, which previously worked on the downtown plan, submitted a proposal of $138,000, while Strand proposed $130,000. Given their satisfactory past performance on urban projects, city staff recommended proceeding with Strand for the intersection evaluation and design.

A key point of discussion was the proposed closure of access to First Street from the existing roundabout, which raised questions among committee members. The rationale for this decision included reducing the city's infrastructure maintenance burden and enhancing safety by redirecting heavy turning traffic away from the bridge and recreational areas.

After addressing questions and clarifying the implications of the proposed changes, the committee moved to accept the bid from Strand for $130,000. The motion was unanimously approved, marking a significant step forward in the East Jackson Street project. The committee will continue to monitor the progress and engage with the public as the design phase unfolds.