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Onalaska Roundabout Project: Public Forum Details Plans

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. undabout-project-public-forum-details-plans.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, March 26th 2026 at 1:52 GMT by News 8000
      Locale: UNITED STATES

ONALASKA, Wis. -- La Crosse County officials convened a public information session Wednesday evening to detail plans for a significant infrastructure project: the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of County Road B and Gillette Road in Onalaska. The session, attended by a considerable number of local residents and business owners, aimed to address growing questions surrounding the project, including timelines, potential disruptions, and long-term benefits.

The intersection of County Road B and Gillette Road has long been identified as a point of concern for local traffic authorities. Data indicates a history of collisions, many stemming from traditional intersection challenges like left-hand turns and obscured visibility. La Crosse County Highway Department has consistently stated that a roundabout offers a demonstrably safer alternative, reducing the severity of accidents and improving overall traffic flow. Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown roundabouts typically lead to a 37% reduction in overall crashes, and a 75% reduction in injury crashes. These statistics were presented during the session to underscore the safety rationale behind the project.

However, the promise of increased safety doesn't come without potential short-term inconvenience. Residents voiced considerable concern about the planned construction timeline. County officials confirmed that work is currently slated to begin in late summer 2026, with an anticipated completion timeframe of several months. The specific duration will be heavily dependent on weather conditions and the absence of unforeseen complications. A phased approach to construction is being considered to mitigate the most severe disruptions, but full closures of portions of County Road B and Gillette Road are inevitable.

A major point of contention revolved around business access during construction. Several business owners along both roads expressed apprehension that prolonged closures or limited access could severely impact their operations and revenue. County Highway Commissioner, David Miller, addressed these concerns directly, stating, "We understand the importance of maintaining access to these businesses, and we are committed to working with each owner to develop a plan that minimizes disruption. This includes exploring temporary access routes, clearly communicating construction schedules, and potentially providing signage directing customers to open businesses." The county pledged to hold individual meetings with affected businesses to formulate tailored mitigation strategies.

Beyond access, residents also inquired about the aesthetic impact of the roundabout. Plans indicate the central island will feature native landscaping, designed to blend with the surrounding environment. The county is also exploring options for incorporating public art into the design, potentially partnering with local artists to create a visually appealing landmark. The size of the roundabout has been carefully calculated to accommodate all vehicle types, including emergency vehicles and agricultural equipment commonly used in the area. The design also includes pedestrian and bicycle crossings, enhancing accessibility for non-motorized traffic.

The project is being funded through a combination of county funds and a state transportation grant. The total estimated cost is $2.8 million. The county has a dedicated project webpage (lacrossecounty.org/onalaskaroundabout) where residents can find detailed plans, construction updates, and contact information. Officials emphasized the importance of public engagement throughout the process and encouraged residents to submit questions or concerns via the website or by contacting the La Crosse County Highway Department directly.

Looking ahead, the county plans to hold another public information session in the early summer to provide further updates and address any remaining questions before construction begins. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for future infrastructure improvements across La Crosse County, potentially paving the way for the adoption of roundabouts at other problematic intersections.