West Milwaukee Street is shutting down for a stretch starting yesterday, to give way for concrete pavement repairs, a response to earlier this summer's buckling during a fierce heat wave. The City's announcement details that the closed section spans from South Academy Street to South High Street and is expected to remain off-limits to through traffic until about November 12.
While this closure may stir some local disruption, it's not all bad news for area businesses. The important clarification made by the City is that W. Milwaukee Street will still welcome patrons, albeit through a single point of entry — accessible only from S. High Street. Motorists looking to navigate this temporary change will find a detour marked out via S. High Street, Dodge Street, and back to S. Academy Street. Local businesses, bearing the brunt of this necessary inconvenience, hold out for a smoother surface come mid-November.
Regular riders of Janesville Transit should brace for a minor shake-up in their commute. Routes affected by the closure include the 25: Southwest Special AM/PM, and the 27: W. Court Special AM, both of which are set to detour from the Transfer Center on S. River St. to W. Court St., then onto S. Academy St. to rejoin their scheduled paths. Adjustments to public transit, always a tricky dance, are in place to mitigate the stoppage’s effect.
For those left questioning how this temporary change might affect their daily ebb and flow, Janesville Transit has opened up a line for inquiries at (608) 755-3150.
