(Waukesha, WI) – Waukesha County’s application for a $2.281 million federal grant to assist in completion of the Lake Country Trail Underpass at State Highway 67 was approved. The funds are from the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) program, a reimbursement program administered by Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) that assists local agencies with projects to improve air quality and reduce congestion.
“The grant funds are a major step forward in allowing us to address the pedestrian crossing and safety concerns raised by my constituents,” said County Board Supervisor Tyler Foti. “After many years of the county trying to secure grant funding, I am grateful we finally have a path forward to complete this project.”
“I want to thank county staff in their efforts to secure grant funding to complete the underpass project,” said County Executive Paul Farrow. “The need for this project started with the state’s decision to widen State Highway 67, and I am glad we can complete the project in partnership with WisDOT.”
A concrete tunnel was installed at the intersection of STH 67 and Oconomowoc Parkway during the state’s widening of STH 67. The project was stalled when bids for the trail connections leading to the tunnel came in much higher than grant funding allocated at that time.
“The city and the county worked together to have the underpass installed as part of the reconstruction and widening of the highway,” said Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus. “I am thrilled the county was able to secure grant funding to complete the project that has been many years in the making.”
The county will work with WisDOT to determine a timeline for the project.
For information on the Waukesha County recreational trails, visit https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/biking.
