DOT recommends overpass, ramps near Holiday Heights

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Aug 31, 2002 | by Kent, Joan

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has decided to build an overpass and exit ramps on Hwy. 16 near the Holiday Heights subdivision.

The decision is in response to safety concerns - there have been two deaths and several injuries from accidents at the intersection. DOT officials expressed fear it would become more dangerous with a development proposed for the western side of the highway.

Under the recommendation, the median crossing at Holiday Heights would be closed and left turns to and from Hwy. 16 eliminated.

An access road to the subdivision and a planned development on the western side of Hwy. 16 would be built under the highway and reached via ramps.

A bridge would be built over the access road for motorists continuing on Hwy. 16.

"The selected alternative is expected to significantly reduce crashes in this area by separating Hwy. 16 through traffic and vehicles on the proposed access road," said Rick Vydrzal, planning and programming engineer for DOT's La Crosse office. "It also eliminates left turns across Hwy. 16, resulting in safer access to and from Holiday Heights and the business development west of Hwy. 16."

Onalaska officials will begin reviewing the recommendation at the Public Works board meeting Tuesday, said Jason Gilman, Onalaska land use and development director.

But he said he believes the plan "meets the needs we define," which include the realignment of Medary Lane to provide safer access to Holiday Heights.

The overpass will provide a safer intersection and not impede Hwy. 16 traffic as a traffic signal would have done, he said.

DOT's recommendation calls for building the new intersection in 2004 and 2005.

Tim Ebner, vice president of Ebner Properties, which owns 15.5 acres that can be developed west of Hwy. 16, said his concern is that the company needs to get started on the development soon. "We just cannot sit there because of the tax dollars we are paying on the property," he said. "We need to begin moving ahead now."

He also said in light of the state's budget, he is concerned whether the funds will be available for the proposed improvements in 2004.

In addition, Ebner said the recommended plan will require more of Ebner Properties' land than would have been needed for an at-grade intersection.

The company will work with DOT and the cities to see if it can have a temporary access to develop the property, Ebner said.

A spokesman at Famous Dave's said no one could answer questions regarding the intersection Friday afternoon.