East Buckeye Road
Madison, Wisconsin

Foth completed roadway design services, including field survey, environmental investigations and reports, public involvement, right-of-way plat preparation and bidding package for a deteriorating arterial street in the city of Madison.

The East Buckeye Road pavement was nearing the end of its useful service life, and was in need of reconditioning or reconstruction. Roadway distress was apparent as evidenced by numerous cracks and rough pavement. Drainage related problems were also evident along the shoulder areas where the pavement edge was being undermined and breaking away at several spot locations.

In addition, recent residential subdivision development and increasing commuter traffic has resulted in increased traffic on the roadway. The increased traffic caused difficulty for side road traffic attempting to enter East Buckeye Road, especially during peak hours. Lack of curb and gutter on the roadway caused drainage problems and increasing maintenance costs. The absence of sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes posed potential safety issues for residents and students.

Specific Challenges:

• Reconstruction of an existing railroad crossing.
• Numerous utilities in the project corridor.
• Adjacent homeowner opposition to the project.
• Coordination required for drainage improvements in railroad ditch areas to provide stormwater conveyance.

Specific Benefits:

• Reconstruction provided bicycle lanes, new curb and gutter, and new sidewalks on both sides of the roadway.
• Constructed pedestrian islands at several intersections.
• Traffic flow conditions were improved at four intersections due to additional pavement width which provides a break-down area and bypass opportunities around left turning vehicles.
• A new storm sewer system was constructed over the entire project.
• A new signalized railroad crossing was constructed.