In the Town of Elcho, US Highway 45 serves as a vital lifeline that links residents to schools, recreation, local businesses, and the surrounding Northwoods. Through recent years, pedestrian and bicycle activity notably increased in the township. This emphasized a lack of dedicated pedestrian facilities, creating growing safety concerns for non-motorized transportation along USH 45. Recognizing both the challenge and the opportunity, the Town worked to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to improve pedestrian facilities in this critical corridor.

MSA was chosen through Qualifications-Based Selection for the design and construction of the project and partnered with the Town and Wisconsin DOT (WisDOT) to transform this corridor into a safe, accessible, and vibrant multi-use transportation route. The restrictions of developing infrastructure within right-of-way land and within a high-traffic corridor presented a design challenge. Through working closely with Town leadership and WisDOT, MSA helped guide the project from early planning through design and into construction. Backed by federal TAP funding and local investment, the project represents a strategic commitment to community connectivity and quality of life.

The results of Phase 1 are a thoughtfully designed nearly 0.8 miles of pedestrian improvements that blend urban sidewalk infrastructure with a scenic off-street recreational trail. The improvements include:

• A 5-foot sidewalk through the town core to enhance walkability;
• A 10-foot-wide asphalt shared-use path with shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians;
• A continuous connection between Elcho Street and Parkway Lane, extending to Otter Lake Park.

This solution reflects MSA’s commitment to context-sensitive design — providing the right facility for each segment of the corridor.

Today, the upgraded USH 45 corridor represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it represents a safer, healthier, and more connected future for Elcho. The corridor links the community’s neighborhoods, parks, and destinations, while also encouraging active transportation and recreation — ultimately enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

From concept through construction, MSA brought technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and local understanding to every phase of the project — helping the Town of Elcho turn a critical need into a lasting community asset. For the Town, the project fulfills a long-standing vision. For MSA, it reflects a continued commitment to delivering tailored, community-focused solutions that make a meaningful impact.

The project was completed in the spring of 2026. The Town of Elcho, project partners, and stakeholders celebrated the grand opening of the new trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 6, 2026.