The majority of the work to improve N. 76th St. from W. Clinton Ave. to the County Line should be completed this month, Alderman Puente said.

The work is slightly behind schedule because of the heavy rains in June and a mix of utility and soil issues. Although the paving will be completed, some work – such as landscaping and permanent road markings – may be carried over until the 2009 construction season.

This segment of N. 76th was much longer in lineal distance than the segment from W. Florist Ave. to Clinton Ave. (completed in 2007), which sometimes made it seem like the project would never end, the alderman said.

“It’s been a long couple years, and the community has been very patient with the process,” said Alderman Puente. “I like the end result and, best of all, it’s almost done.”

New improvements include replaced pavement, curb and gutter, drainage structures, street lighting and traffic signals, new street markings and the addition of new sidewalks. “The changes are definitely worth the wait. We will see improved traffic flow and hopefully fewer accidents,” added the alderman.

In order to keep side roads open and maintain traffic, construction operations were done in stages. Access to properties was maintained at all times, and a series of public information meetings were hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Project Manager Phil Bain throughout the project to answer questions and address any concerns.

The affected stretch of N. 76th is a major transportation route in the city and the improved section was last reconstructed in 1968.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Phil Bain (WISDOT), 262-548-8809 or Fred Moeller, Construction Leader at the WISDOT Field Office, 371-9792.