Road Construction Begins April 8: What Does That Mean?

If the mess along Janesville Road from Racine Avenue to Lannon Drive in Muskego wasn't enough, more crews will be coming onto the scene on the eastern portion of the stretch of road.

According to Ed Hinrichs, lead engineer for Waukesha County, the project will include concrete work at the intersection of Bay Lane Drive and finishing work on the medians beginning on April 8 from Lannon Drive to Moorland Road. 

"This is the beautification part of the project and will include work on the raised planters and the completion of the brick and concrete work at the intersections," Hinrichs explained.

And yes, the project will also include a second lift of asphalt to bring the roadway level with the concrete curbs. The most-asked question of the project, the asphalt layers are placed about a year apart in projects where the roadbed is completely reconstructed. With some areas being dug out by about 16 feet below the original street surface, planners allow the time between asphalt layers for settling, thus avoiding a "rollercoaster" effect and costlier repairs in future years.

At Pioneer Drive, road crews closed the intersection as utilities were laid on Wednesday, but Hinrichs said the closure would likely be lifted by Thursday. AT&T will come through with burying its lines later this month, which will again close the street.

Hinrichs said the finishing work on the eastern half of Janesville Road will conclude on June 15. This is about the same time that the shovels will dig into the road on the western half to signal the start of the reconstruction there.