WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Street consultants from Toole Design presented their vision for potential changes to the streets around the Wausau Center Mall last week, including a roundabout for the intersection of Forst, Grand Avenue, and Sixth Street.
The proposal was shown during a public display at the mall last week, and Director of Public Works Eric Lindman says the idea does have some merit. “That intersection is pretty tough not only for traffic but for pedestrians as well. It would ensure that the traffic continues to flow well through that area,” said Lindman. He added that the roundabout design would also increase the visibility for traffic in the area and make it easier for semis to get into downtown.
No timeline for implementing any changes is currently in the works, and Lindman says he knows that roundabouts are polarizing among drivers. “Some really like them, there’s a lot that don’t like them. [But] they have their place, and I think that’s something the city will really look at. Depending on how the mall redevelops, is this a place for it?”
Other proposed changes include turning Washington Street into a one way from First to Fifth with bike lanes. Forest Street would also become a two way with parallel parking along the mall and protected bike lanes on the opposite side. A redesign of the intersection of First, Forest, and Washington Street would also be planned to make that intersection less congested.
Lindman emphasizes that the poposal remains just that, a proposal and that the future of the mall will likely dictate the traffic needs in the area. “I think right now everything is on the table.”
The designs presented last week will be used to help give potential future developers and retail stores an idea of how traffic could look as the Wausau Center Mall redevelopment plans change and evolve.
