West Bend, WI – There are some questions about a $1.7 million curb and ramp construction project on Highway 33 west in West Bend, Wi. According to the DOT the project, which began June 15, is to replace approximately 277 curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and reconstruct small areas of sidewalk and curb and gutter near the curb ramps. But look at two ramps being built on the south side of Highway 33 st Scenic Drive and Valley Drive.
Scenic is on the corner by Gordie Boucher car dealership. There is no sidewalk on that section of road.
On Valley, there is a sidewalk but it ends in a grassy field about a half block south.
Calls have been placed to the DOT, which is an entity of state government, to see if they would need to approve sidewalk installation or if the city would be the one to approve, and pay for a sidewalk install.
Also checking if that part of Scenic Drive would ever have a sidewalk extension because the road is narrow and may fall under designated swamp land.
The DOT’s Chris Verhyen responded to questions and his answers on the project are below.
What’s the purpose?
The purpose of this project is to address curb ramps and pedestrian accommodations that are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards along the WIS 33 and WIS 144 corridors.
This is a standalone curb ramp project, so no additional sidewalks will be constructed as part of this project. WIS 33 in this location is a “connecting highway”, which means the road facility is owned and maintained by the local municipality. However, this project is a federal and state-funded effort to bring non-compliant curb ramps into ADA compliance. The municipality is not being charged with the costs of this work.
Why was the ramp added in the southeast corner of the WIS 33/Scenic Drive intersection?
The WIS 33 north-south crossing in this location is a legal crosswalk because of the existing markings. There is also an existing crosswalk push button for pedestrians. Because this is a legal crosswalk, curb ramps need to be installed at each end.
Why is there a new ramp on the southwest corner of WIS 33 and Valley Avenue?
The newly constructed ADA compliant ramp replaces the existing ramp that was not ADA compliant. The new ramp also aligns better with the new ramp being constructed in the southeast corner.
How much does each ramp cost?
The low bid of the project was $1,728,421.38. There are 217 curb ramps being constructed on the project. The average cost per ramp is about $7,965.
Are the 2 ADA ramps with no sidewalk access a good use of taxpayer dollars?
This project follows federal ADA requirements as we want to ensure our transportation infrastructure is safe, reliable and accessible to all modes of transportation.
 |
CHRIS VERHYEN
Communications – Southeast Region Wisconsin Department of Transportatio |
Below is a previous article about the project.
Orange-and-white construction barrels already line a strong portion of Highway 33 on the west end of town as construction season is about to hit a peak in West Bend, Wi. According to the DOT, on Monday, June 15, 2026, Washington Street will be down to one lane in each direction as 227 curb ramps and areas of sidewalk, curb, and gutter are replaced. Main Street up to Barton Avenue from Highway 33 north will also be impacted. Hold onto your hat, work is scheduled to be completed in fall 2026.
UPDATE: Take a look at construction details below – but, eyeballing it on Sunday it looks like the work is starting on the west side of town between 18th Avenue up to Shepherds Drive. Common sense is also saying, the work will initially be done on the south side of the street. Orange and white barrels are only on the south side of the street so, maybe contrary to what the DOT has said – maybe things will start on just the eastbound side of the road.
Calls have been placed to the DOT for an update.
This is a $1.7 million curb ramp improvement project along WIS 33 (Washington Street) and WIS 144 (Main Street) in the city of West Bend, Washington County.
Watch for the sidewalks on the south side of Hwy 33 to be affected too.
Chime in now with your suggestions on alternate routes
Improvements include:
- Replace approximately 277 curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
- Reconstruct small areas of sidewalk and curb & gutter near the curb ramps
WIS 33 project limits: Shepherds Drive (By Auto Safety Center north and Morrie’s WB Honda) to Trenton Road (by Wisconsin Army National Guard & Piggly Wiggly)
WIS 144 project limits: WIS 33 to Barton Avenue
Traffic Impacts:
WIS 33 and WIS 144 will be reduced to one lane in each direction during construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained with temporary pedestrian crossings.
Local access will be maintained to businesses and residences.
Schedule:
Construction is scheduled for completion by fall 2026. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.
On a side note:
-An alternate to travel east and west will be Park Avenue, which is north of Highway 33
-Another alternate east and west will be Chestnut Street and Paradise Drive, which are south of Highway 33
-If you’re coming into town from the west, consider taking Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive (just west of A1 Health & Fitness) to Schuster Drive east and that will hook up with Park Avenue.
