13th Street Project Languishing, Officials Apologetic

OAK CREEK, WI -- Milwaukee County officials struck an apologetic tone this week for the state of Oak Creek's S. 13th Street construction project. Officials are considering setting up temporary traffic fixes in the event that weather gets too cold to finish the job.

The issue at hand is road construction at S. 13th Street (CTH V) between W. Drexel Ave and W. Rawson Ave. The languishing project has caused traffic backups and delays months ago, and officials say they understand the problems it's created.

"We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation during the construction inconveniences caused by the project being significantly behind schedule," Department of Transportation officials said. "Please be assured that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the administrative agency of the project, is holding the contractor accountable for not finishing the project on time."

DOT officials say the project contractor is focusing on restoring two-way traffic between Drexel Avenue and Rawson Avenue by placing as much permanent pavement as possible before the year is out, though this work is weather-dependent, and will rely on above-freezing temperatures to complete.

If the new road foundation freezes before the permanent pavement is installed, officials say the contractor and the project staff will set up temporary measures to maintain safe access for the public through winter until construction can fire up again in Spring 2019.

According to city officials, "the traffic control for the project will be modified to accommodate two-way traffic as conditions allow. Temporary mailboxes will remain in place until the sidewalks and lawn surfaces are completed in 2019."

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