Maintenance of new round-abouts is getting run-around by state

The controversial construction of a number of roundabout intersections on State Highway 67 in the city of Kiel and U.S. Highway 42 in the town of Sheboygan is now complete

Unfortunately, as drivers learn to navigate these new intersections, serious questions and concerns have arisen about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) commitment to maintaining the interior landscaping of the roundabouts in a way that reflects well on these communities.

Without a doubt, the construction of these roundabouts was highly unpopular in the Kiel and Sheboygan areas for a number of reasons, not the least of which was their expense. Many citizens questioned how the state could afford these unnecessary and expensive intersection improvements at a time when we were already in a budget mess. Now, as you may have noticed, the interior landscaping has not been properly maintained by WisDOT. In fact, the roundabouts, all of which are located at key entry points to these communities, have become eyesores. They are overgrown with grass sorely in need of trimming and are choked with unsightly weeds.

Unfortunately, as these communities have asked WisDOT to maintain these structures, WisDOT’s answer has been that they either require no maintenance or only need to be mowed once each year. As someone who drives past these roundabouts every day, I can tell you that they are in need of far more maintenance than that. They are an embarrassment for our state and unfortunately for the communities in which they are located.

As the state Senator for our area, I find this unacceptable and have contacted the Secretary of the Department of Transportation asking him to take full responsibility for the proper maintenance of this landscaping.

Is this the impression we want people to have of our local communities – and our state – when they enter one of these towns? The roundabouts in the town of Sheboygan near the intersection of Interstate 43 and U.S. Highway 42 will provide a first impression for many thousands of tourists attending the upcoming PGA Championship golf tournament later this summer. What kind of impression will they receive as they drive past these poorly maintained roundabouts?

The city of Kiel takes great pride in the cleanliness and friendliness of their community, and now the key travel entrances to their community send just the opposite message.

As a result of state inaction or indifference, the town of Sheboygan has – at local taxpayer expense – proceeded with maintaining the roundabouts within their municipality. It is absolutely unacceptable that it has come to this. How can WisDOT justify forcing these expensive and unwanted roundabouts on local residents, and then throw up their hands when it comes time to pay to maintain them – or to force local citizens to maintain them? This is a cost that should have been considered when these projects were first discussed.

The citizens of Wisconsin are rapidly losing faith in their government and, with situations like this, it is easy to see why.

In my letter to Secretary Busalacchi, I request that WisDOT take full responsibility for maintaining the roundabouts in the city of Kiel and the town of Sheboygan, as this is not a responsibility that should fall on local taxpayers and municipal governments. DOT forced these structures to be built and now they should be maintained in a proper manner. The negligent lack of maintenance by WisDOT has left key entrances to Sheboygan and Kiel blighted, and this needs to be changed immediately.

I will share the response I receive from WisDOT and am hopeful that we will see some immediate corrective action.

As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling (920) 457-7367 or visiting my online office at www.leibham.com.

It is an honor representing the residents of the 9th District in the state Senate!