Major Overhaul for Whitney, WIllow and Regent roads

The Fox Point Village Board last week approved an amount of $1.16 million to repair and restore key roads in the community, centering on Whitney, Willow, and Regent Roads.

The road, water main, and storm sewer project will affect parts of those roads west of Santa Monica Boulevard.

“The project arose out of years of planning associated with the road,” said Fox Point Director of Public Works and Village Engineer Scott Brandmeier.

Brandmeier explained while Whitney Road was in poor condition, many nearby areas needed to be taken care of as part of a larger project.

Brandmeier said once the necessary paperwork is filled out with the construction contractor, the contractor could start inspections in the next two to three weeks. They would make sure the roads are sound, and that sewers and water mains are in the right places. Once the inspection is finished, residents near the construction can expect a lot more noise and traffic near their homes.

All of Whitney Road was approved for reconstruction while the other roads had specific areas that needed to be worked on. Willow Road’s reconstruction would take place between Regent Road and Santa Monica Boulevard while Regent Road would be replaced between Regent Road No. 1 and Willow Road.

Challenges to Construction

Fox Point Village President Michael A. West said road construction in communities like Fox Point presents special challenges.

“The roads have to be repaired in place. It’s not like out in the countryside where sometimes the DOT, when they’re doing a project, can divert traffic to another project, to another lane or build a temporary road as they have done," West said. "The roads are replaced where they are when they’re removed.”

West and other residents can prepare to avoid blocked off sections of Whitney and other roads in the next couple of weeks.

West predicts there should not be too many problems between residents and the construction crew. He referenced what happened during the Green Tree construction project and said the upcoming project should not be any different. 

“The Department of Public Works worked with the neighbors so they understood the schedule,” said West. “They understood that there would be some disruption of their daily comings and goings but that’s all worked out.”

West said an informational meeting with residents had already taken place to ensure they were educated about the specifics of the project.

Time Takes Toll on Water Mains, Sewers

Several water mains underneath those patches of road need replacement. Brandmeier said the old cast iron mains have rusted thin.

“The risk that it poses is you could have water main breaks,” Brandmeier said. “And it’s you’re chasing water main breaks and spending your money on repairing breaks as opposed to have installing new mains.”

Brandmeier said the new mains would be made out of PVC pipe, a plastic pipe that can last a lot longer with less wear and tear.

Additionally, Brandmeier said installing a relief storm sewer in the area would help prevent flooding in the homes of residents.