Spring Break
Clairemont to go under construction from Highway 53 to Craig Road
Road work could last six months, DOT begins looking for bids
Claudia Lozano
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: News
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Michael Ostrowska, Project development manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said the design effort for the re-pavement project took four years. While they have patched the avenue many times, they still try to maximize the life span of the pavement, he said.
Ostrowska also said they are aware of the heavy load of traffic using the road, which is why they will be working on the re-pavement in stages. These stages will result in times during the process where only one lane will be available in each direction.
"People should be aware and cautious when going through Clairemont," Ostrowska said. "Chances for accidents are greater in these situations."
Ostrowska said that the DOT hasn't signed any contract with any contractor at this time.
They advertised the project in October of last year. Now they are expecting contractors to place bids with their respective proposals and the cost for the project, he said.
He also said they are looking to have all the bids received by March. Afterwards they will open the bids in a public forum and pick the lowest. Ostrowska doesn't know how many bids they will get, but estimates the cost will range from $5 to $15 million.
The project is scheduled to start in May and be completed by the end of Oct., Ostrowska said.
"It would be a faster project if we closed (Clairemont) down completely," Ostrowska said, "But this is not good for business around here and people don't like closed roads. That is why we are going to work under traffic."
He also said they will not only re-pave, but will work to improve multiple intersections, such as Highway 37 and Rudolph Road.
Gwen Larson, Eau Claire transit manager, said she doesn't know anything about changes to the Clairemont route, as she didn't talk with the Department of Transportation.
"We will do all in our powers to maintain service and our bus stops," Larson said.
Sophomore Carlos Gorina said he often drives on Clairemont. He said he uses it to go to the Oakwood mall, Wal-Mart or to visit his host parents. Gorina will be in Eau Claire during the summer, but said that the re-pavement won't interfere with his transportation, as he knows alternate routes around Eau Claire.
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