Construction at the 5 Points intersection near downtown Janesville, shown in this Âé¶¹Ó³»Ó°Òô file photo from April 2025, now won't be completed until at least Thanksgiving, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says.
JANESVILLE — Motorists will have to deal with construction at the 5 Points intersection near downtown Janesville for at least an extra month due to a permit issue.
Construction at the 5 Points intersection near downtown Janesville, shown in this Âé¶¹Ó³»Ó°Òô file photo from April 2025, now won't be completed until at least Thanksgiving, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says.
GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Adam Kopp, a project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said Thursday that a storm sewer is closer to the Union Pacific Railroad line than was shown in a survey done ahead of the construction.
As a result, additional permits have been needed and has led to the delay, pushing off the end date beyond the originally anticipated Oct. 17.
Center Avenue/U.S. Highway 51, Milwaukee Street, Court Street and Centerway converge at the intersection. Also crossing the intersection are Union Pacific Railroad and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad tracks.
The project entails upgrading traffic signal equipment, improving turn lanes, improving pedestrian crossings and island treatments, adding sidewalk connections, adding pedestrian channelization fencing, providing high-visibility crosswalks, reconstruction of the intersection and updating pavement markings.
Kopp said he has been speaking with the Union Pacific Railroad and the city of Janesvilles’ engineering division daily since the discovery.
Now, the “best case scenario†for completion is around Thanksgiving, Kopp said. However, he said it could be even longer, depending on the permit process and the pace of the rest of construction.
Kopp said alternative solutions were considered “and they just didn’t work.â€
Kopp said additional permits will ensure the railroad tracks are not compromised.
“They could be carrying hazardous materials at any given time. If they have a train derailment, then who’s responsible?†Kopp said.
Kopp said he has been frustrated with the outcome of the project and feels for the city.
“I take a lot of pride in my projects and I feel for the businesses and the schools. I know much it means for the city of Janesville. Unfortunately, it’s long,†Kopp said.
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