The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) has awarded the City of Prescott a $194,106 Transportation Alternatives Planning (TAP) grant to support improvements to pedestrian and bike crossings along Highway 10.

The city will cover an additional 20% match for the project, which is part of a broader effort to expand Prescott’s multi-use trail system. The initiative aims to better connect residential neighborhoods north of USH-10 and WIS-35 with schools, businesses, parks, and the city’s existing trails and sidewalks.

City staff have been working with Cedar Corporation on the project, holding a public informational meeting, distributing surveys, and hosting staff workshops to refine the plan. The most recent council workshop took place during the Aug. 11 Prescott City Council meeting which focused on possible changes to Orrin Road and Campbell Street.

City Engineer Greg Adams of Cedar Corporation outlined options for a pedestrian bridge (overpass) with approach ramps coming from the east side, crossing Highway 10, and connecting west at Canton Street.

“The DOT has agreed to integrate in an at grade crossing for pedestrians at the east side of this intersection,” Adams said, noting that this addition would come at no cost to the city. He also shared that WISDOT plans to extend a trail to Eagle Ridge Drive.

“We feel that the first option is probably the most safe,” said Adams.

He explained that both closure and reconfiguration options for Orrin Road had been presented to WISDOT. About a month ago, he noted, the agency raised concerns about compliance and human behavior, pointing out that an able-bodied child might still be tempted to cross despite the changes.

Alderperson Adam Granquist said the closure of Orrin Road on the east side would resolve multiple concerns. “The safety of pedestrians crossing, of all ages, kids included, but also that intersection,” Granquist said. “So, I think that that remedies a lot of issues there.”

Adams agreed, noting, “It doesn’t seem like Orrin Road has a high vehicle count in it.” City Administrator Matt Wolf added that the Prescott Plan Commission had already endorsed the same option at its Aug. 4 meeting — closing Orrin Road on the east side while keeping the west side open.

Granquist raised a question about accessibility: “Is this going to be capable of golf carts? And if not, what are we doing to deter that?”

Adams responded that a bollard would likely be placed near the entrance to the ramps, explaining, “The DOT and the Chief of Police was not in favor of allowing these to be anything you could travel a motorized vehicle, whether it’s a golf cart or whatnot.”

Adams emphasized the groundwork the city has put into the project: “When grant reviewers look at this, I think they are going to see a lot of effort in what the city’s laying some groundwork for and hopefully look at support of that,” he said. “I think it would produce an immediate effect for the city plus even this at-grade crossing here will be really beneficial.”

Council members voiced strong support. Alderperson Maureen Otwell said, “I think it’s really good.”

Alderperson Peterson added, “The removal of Orrin sounds like a great place to put trees. This looks like a great place for a couple of big trees,” while Granquist agreed, “And then I think it’s fine to leave the west side open.”

Reflecting on the process, Alderperson Dar Hintz praised the council’s persistence. “I’m really pleased with the perseverance,” she said.

Granquist added that the plan will have a clear impact on community access. “This will give access for the rest of the city direct safe access, to Fairy Wonderland (Park) and everything going on back there.”