The City of Reedsburg is situated in south-central Wisconsin with a population of just over 10,000. State Highway 23/33 runs east-west through the heart of the community where it also serves as Main Street and the busiest cross-town thoroughfare.

On the southeastern side of the city lies the Reedsburg Industrial Park. In a state of consistent growth, the industrial park is a key component of Reedsburg’s financial stability and a regional economic driver, located just one-half mile south of STH 23/33 and 12 miles from I-90/94. It also boasts railroad access and is directly adjacent to Reedsburg Municipal Airport.

The principal access point to the industrial park had historically been via South Dewey Avenue which runs south from the intersection of East Main Street. Yet congestion at that intersection had become an issue, with frequent over-size, over-weight (OSOW) truck traffic as well as community passenger vehicles all utilizing South Dewey to access employers, parks, businesses, and residences.

Over time, it became clear that the South Dewey/East Main Street intersection was functioning at a low level of service, with space constraints that resulted in inadequate turning movements for large vehicles and subsequent unsafe traffic conditions for others sharing the road. In 2022, the City of Reedsburg contracted with MSA to complete final design of an alternate “truck route” to the industrial park — South Viking Drive — with a direct connection to Main Street (STH 23/33).

The project was not without challenges, including project stakeholder and agency coordination, an expedited project schedule, key land acquisitions, sensitive environmental protections, stormwater management requirements, traffic safety concerns, tie-ins to local bicycle/multiuse trails, creative project financing, and upgrading deteriorating corridor utilities without interruptions to the regular activity of residents, businesses, or vehicles.

The City utilized Tax Increment District No. 9 (TID 9) to fund the project improvements. The City also used TID 9 as a tool to assist with remediation and permanent retirement of the salvage yard located adjacent to South Viking Drive. As part of the redevelopment process, the City was able to recruit a private developer to purchase the salvage yard property and implement a development with a new land use that better aligned with the City’s economic growth plan.