North Sherman resurfacing begins June 30

By Dana Slowiak

North Sherman Avenue faces the curse of summer in Wisconsin – road construction. The busy Northside traffic vein will be resurfaced, underground utilities upgraded and deteriorated curbs, gutters, driveway aprons and sidewalks replaced.

While the project inherently brings traffic stresses to the neighborhood, Northsiders should know that such a project won’t take place again for at least 20 years.

The $1.2 million project begins on June 30, after Rhythm and Booms, and is scheduled for completion by Oct. 15, according to a March 12 public informational meeting. The project moves forward in three phases, with crews working on one half of the street at a time. Traffic falls to one lane in both directions for the duration of the project.

The construction zone stretches from the railroad tracks south of Roth Street to Windom Way, just south of Warner Park and Northside TownCenter. The stretch of North Sherman from Windom Way will wait until the completion of potential renovations at the Warner Park stadium.

The project impacts a lot of people’s daily lives, said Rhodes-Conway, but she and the City are committed to doing the best they can to soften some of the impact. She is particularly concerned about keeping businesses accessible at all times for their customers.

Glen Yoerger, of the City’s Department of Public Works Engineering Division, said that underground utilities, including water mains and sewers will be upgraded. A new water main is slated for three stretches: the railroad to Roth Street, Winchester Street to Almo Avenue and Sachjen Street to Trailsway Drive. Portions of the sanitary sewer will be replaced as needed. New storm sewers, with an improved drainage design, will be installed at all intersections. Once underground utilities are completed, the entire street will be repaved within current dimensions.

Northsiders along North Sherman Avenue who have cement-related replacements will receive special assessments for half the cost, which were scheduled to be mailed on Apr. 4. The City covers the entire cost of the underground upgrades and the resurfacing.

Rhodes-Conway suggested that now may be the time to consider replacing your driveway or having similar project work completed, if needed. Residents will be able contact the contractor (once chosen) to discuss the work at the owner’s expense. Contractors generally offer lowers prices since they already have the required equipment readily available and the underground is accessible.

The resurfacing project is not designed to address safety issues along North Sherman Avenue. The recent Northside Walking Audit is working to improve safety conditions. A separate neighborhood meeting regarding pedestrian, bike and traffic safety issues along the street will take place at a future date. Northsiders may contact Lisa Wiese, Northside Walking Audit coordinator and Northside Planning Council co-chair, at 242-8572 with questions, suggestions or concern with safety issues.

With questions or concerns about the resurfacing project, Northsiders may contact District 12 Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway at 242-4426 or district12@cityofmadison.com or Glen Yoerger at 261-9177 or gyoerger@cityofmadison.com.