Birch Street and Division Street connect on the western side of the Village of Rothschild near the Wisconsin River. Lined with trees in a residential neighborhood, the streets receive frequent use by families and visitors alike and serve as an important link between Rothschild and the greater Wausau Metropolitan area as accessed via the Wisconsin River Pedestrian Bridge.

Yet the streets themselves were rapidly deteriorating, with aging sanitary sewer and water utilities beneath. They also lacked safe bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and adequate drainage, which created unsafe ponding and icy conditions during the winter. These deficiencies led to the award of key project funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) grant program.

The funding fueled a full roadway reconstruction, replacement of the water main and sanitary sewer system, as well as major neighborhood storm sewer outfall upgrades — outfitted with a modern check-valve system to prevent backflow during high-flow stages of the Wisconsin River. The street was reconstructed with a modified profile to improve drainage, all while balancing impacts to many residential driveways, lawns and existing trees. The project also utilized funding from the Wisconsin DNR Lead Service Line Replacements Program to replace lead and galvanized private water service piping.

MSA conducted a series of key public information meetings and design review meetings with the Village to keep all stakeholders informed and involved with project decisions. The resulting public input helped to deliver a functional, sustainable and beautiful street and trail project that supports safe operational use from the community while helping residents live, work and play in the best way possible.