SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – The Wisconsin DOT has plans to install a J-Turn at the intersection of Highway 29 and County U in Shawano County.
The decision was made along with the decision to cut down the hill on Highway 29 that has been known to block visibility for traffic looking to get onto 29 from County U.
Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber says he understands the J-Turn word has left people upset.
“I think everyone thinks of the J-Turn by Maplewood Meats and it is pretty hairy in that area. People think they are going to get rear-ended and there is a lot of traffic in that area,” he said. “J-Turns are not very common so I think people are very hesitant and they are not comfortable with it.”
Bieber says he is disappointed that the DOT did not listen to a majority of the voices who stressed that they did not want a J-Turn.
“I am still not happy that is is a J-Turn. Our community was very clear that we did not want a J-Turn,” he said. “They have nice wide right turn lanes and for vehicles making a left-hand turn, that is going to make quite a bit better visibility for those drivers.”
Bieber added that the goal is to reduce the chances of a fatal accident, which a J-Turn has been proven to do.
“They don’t necessarily reduce crashes, but fatal crashes are way down when you put in a J-Turn.”
The Sheriff says this J-Turn design is different from the one in Brown County as it allows for better merging. “What they are giving us here is the third lane for folks that want to get on Highway 29.”
He says that means people will not have to increase their speed or worry about cars catching up to them which can be dangerous.
He commented that this has been a concern for quite some time.
“If that would have been done in the first place, we would not have had to be here right now redoing this whole intersection.”
The DOT plans on beginning construction in 2021.
Listen To Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber explain what makes this J-Turn different from the one people know on the other side of Highway 29.
Listen to Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber explain the benefits of the new J-Turn.
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