LA CROSSE, Wis. — The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce will host its July Monthly Forum on Monday, July 21, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Cappella Weddings & Events. The event provides a La Crosse highway construction update, focusing on key DOT projects and traffic flow throughout the city. Attendees will learn about the US 53 and US 14/61 Corridor Study and hear directly from Wisconsin DOT’s project manager how these projects will impact area businesses and traffic.

The July session features Michael Richardson, Major Studies Project Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). Expect Richardson to provide critical updates on the Corridor Study, a major infrastructure initiative spanning from WIS 35 (West Avenue) to Interstate 90.

According to the DOT, the study evaluates safety, congestion, and road quality. The study focuses on the busy corridor that includes 3rd Street, 4th Street, Copeland Avenue, and Rose Street. Furthermore, these updates are timely for business owners as downtown traffic patterns and accessibility are expected to shift during construction.

The forum is part of a larger study approved in December 2021 by the Wisconsin Transportation Projects Commission.

The corridor initiative includes:

• WIS 35 Corridor: From South Avenue to Rose Street, including West Avenue, Lang Drive, and George Street.
• US 53 & US 14/61 Corridor: From West Avenue to I-90, focusing on downtown and northern La Crosse.
• WIS 16 Corridor: From Losey Boulevard to WIS 157.

Community members can also attend the second Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) for the La Crosse highway construction update on Wednesday, July 16, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, 1433 Rose Street.

The Chamber encourages local businesses to attend the forum. Tickets are $20 and include a light lunch and beverages. Registration is open now.

Finally, visit the Wisconsin DOT’s corridor page for more information.