September 18, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – An update on a story regarding construction on Highway 33 between River Road and Highway 45. Motorists questioned the progress on the projects, especially considering the extensive backups during morning and afternoon commutes on W. Washington Street.
Travis Brush is the project engineer.Â
“Although the work may appear to be nearing completion to local motorists, the planned upgrades at the intersection are not yet finished. While construction in all four quadrants has been completed, improvements within the median of WIS 33 are still underway. This is the work that began this past Wednesday. The pavement currently being removed is part of the original roadway, not newly installed. The median work involves removing the existing left turn lanes and constructing a new, dedicated left turn lane that will be physically separated from the eastbound and westbound through lanes. This design aims to enhance both the efficiency and safety of the intersection for drivers and pedestrians alike.”
WCI – There was also a concern about the pedestrian ramp going east on the northwest corner by McDonald’s. It doesn’t line up with the crosswalk. It’s about 3 feet too far north. Going down the ramp you run into the cars in the right turn lane. A person in a wheelchair would be outside the walkway lines.
If this is intentional – please confirm so I can inform the community. Or, if you’re going to move the crosswalk to the north – in order to match the ramp, let me know.
Travis Brush – “It’s true that the current crosswalks may not align with existing roadway markings, as new curb ramps have been repositioned to accommodate planned design features. Temporary markings have been installed throughout construction to guide pedestrian movement, but permanent markings have not yet been applied. Once pavement and sidewalk upgrades are completed, all intersection pavement markings will be removed and replaced. This includes updating the crosswalks with a larger block-style design to more clearly define pedestrian crossing zones.”
WCI – The initial information about the project said it would be completed in October 2025. Is that still the target.
Travis Brush – “The project is still on track to wrap up in late October or early November. At the 18th Avenue intersection, the median work remains to be completed. Once that’s finished, the contractor will utilize a series of short-term lane closures to install the new traffic signals. Afterward, the temporary signals currently in use will be removed, and permanent signage and pavement markings will be added to reflect the updated intersection layout.
“This project also includes improvements at the intersections of WIS 33 with 7th/Main and River Road. These locations are progressing similarly to 18th Avenue, and we anticipate transitioning to the final major construction stage next week. That stage includes median turn lane upgrades at each intersection, followed by permanent signal installation, removal of temporary signals, and final signing and marking.
“To reiterate, we have not removed any pavement previously placed as part of this project. Only existing pavement identified in the initial improvement plans has been taken out and replaced.”
Below is a previous story about the construction.
September 12, 2025 – West Bend, WI – Motorists in West Bend, WI, have been submitting photos and asking for answers on why contractors are busting up the pavement again, when the project at 18th Avenue and Highway 33 was nearly finished.
Contractors have been working since late July on the intersection.
Improvements Include:
- Concrete pavement replacement
- Reconfiguration of turn lanes
- Traffic signal replacement
- Concrete curb and gutter, and sidewalk improvements
- Storm sewer modifications
- New pavement marking and signing.
- The DOT said work will be completed in late October 2025.
Neighbors said, although the lights still needed to be installed it appeared the project was nearly finished… until, September 11, 2025, when contractors started busting up the new pavement.
Backups have been extensive, especially for east-west motorists.
One neighbor said the turn lanes were laid out wrong. Another pedestrian said the sidewalk ramp on the northwest corner by McDonald’s is all “wonky” because it’s about 3-feet off the crosswalk. People in wheelchairs using that east-bound ramp will run into the side of a vehicle in the right-turn lane and then have to readjust and scoot south for a bit until they hit the crosswalk. Unless contractors plan on laying a new crosswalk about 3 feet to the north.
While multiple calls had been placed to city officials on Thursday, no one called back. A phone number for the contractor was provided, but that number was not correct. A request for the correct number, went unanswered.
Police said busting up the concrete a second time is how this project is being completed.
What do you think is happening?
This story will be updated when details are available.
