(Waukesha, WI) – Waukesha County, the City of Oconomowoc, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are pleased to announce the start of the highly anticipated Lake Country Trail Underpass Project. Construction will follow a joint groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the project site at the intersection of State Highway 67 (Summit Avenue) and Oconomowoc Parkway.
“This has been a great collaboration between the State, County, and City to ensure a safe pedestrian crossing for residents and trail users,” said County Executive Paul Farrow. “We are excited to utilize the funds awarded to us from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement program through WisDOT.”
The Lake Country Trail underpass beneath State Highway 67 will use the existing 197-foot tunnel built in 2014 as part of the highway improvement project. It will provide a safer alternate route for pedestrians and bicyclists with paved connections to the Lake Country Trail on both sides of the eight-lane divided highway. The project also includes enhanced lighting and signage.
“This is a great example of good people working together for the benefit and safety of the community,” said City of Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus. “A huge thank you to County Executive Farrow, Supervisor Foti, city staff, and the many residents and local officials that have been so instrumental in making this happen. I can’t wait for the ribbon cutting to open the tunnel later this year!”
Waukesha County was awarded $2.28 million in federal funds through the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) improvement program to complete the project, help improve air quality, and reduce congestion. CMAQ is a reimbursement program administered by WisDOT that provides an 80% federal cost share for eligible project costs. Project proposals must reduce criteria pollutants within areas of the state where air pollution levels exceed national ambient air quality standards. These areas are defined as either non-attainment or maintenance areas and include ten counties in the state of Wisconsin.
“After years of planning and collaboration, I am grateful that together we have found a solution that will improve the safety and well-being of the bicyclists and pedestrians who enjoy our trails,” said Waukesha County Board Supervisor Tyler Foti.
The county will work with general contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. to complete the project by mid-November 2023.
For information on the project, visit www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/CurrentParkProjects.
