In the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, USH 14 serves as more than a highway, it is the lifeblood of downtown Westby. Carrying over 11,000 vehicles daily, including significant freight traffic, the corridor had long outgrown its original design. Deteriorating pavement, incomplete pedestrian infrastructure, and safety concerns at key intersections created daily challenges for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
KL Engineering partnered with the City of Westby and WisDOT to transform this aging corridor into a safer, more connected, and community-focused Main Street. The result is an award-winning project recognized with the 2026 WisDOT Excellence in Highway Design Award for Best Urban Project.
A Community-Driven Vision
From the outset, the project was shaped by extensive stakeholder engagement. Through multiple public meetings and direct coordination with local businesses, residents, and city officials, the design team ensured that every decision reflected the community’s priorities. This collaborative process led to thoughtful solutions that balanced mobility needs with Westby’s historic character and economic vitality.
Designing for Safety & Function
One of the project’s most impactful improvements was the transformation of the USH 14 and WIS 27 intersection. Previously plagued by congestion, limited visibility, and safety concerns, the intersection was redesigned as a single-lane roundabout. This solution significantly reduced conflict points, improved traffic flow, and enhanced long-term safety performance.
Designing the roundabout required innovative thinking. The team successfully accommodated oversized freight vehicles, including a 205-foot wind turbine transport, within a constrained downtown environment. Using advanced modeling and creative geometric solutions, the design maintained efficiency for large vehicles while naturally calming speeds for everyday traffic.
Enhancing Connectivity & Accessibility
Beyond vehicular improvements, the project redefined how people move through Westby. Missing sidewalk segments were completed, ADA-compliant ramps were installed, and highly visible crosswalks with curb bump-outs were added, particularly near school routes. These enhancements created a continuous, safer pedestrian network that connects neighborhoods, schools, and downtown destinations.
Supporting Businesses During Construction
Maintaining access to downtown businesses was critical, especially as many were recovering from pandemic-related impacts. The project team implemented a strategic staging approach that kept traffic flowing and preserved access throughout construction. A local detour system and phased construction sequencing minimized disruption while allowing work to progress efficiently.
Delivering Lasting Value
The reconstructed corridor reflects a balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and community identity. By reducing excess pavement, consolidating access points, and optimizing roadway width, the project lowered construction and long-term maintenance costs while improving safety and operations.
Today, what was once a deteriorating highway has been transformed into a cohesive, vibrant Main Street that supports economic activity, enhances quality of life, and welcomes visitors to Westby. The project stands as a model for how thoughtful design and collaboration can reshape a corridor into a true community asset.
