The Plan

Recommendations

Examining the issues identified in our Information Assessment (Section 3.3), we know our recommendations must address the significant barrier to bicycle and pedestrian travel posed by the east-west arterials (Blackhawk, Wisconsin, and Iowa), and in particular, the north-south arterial (Marquette) and the railroad. Traffic counts, traffic patterns, transportation studies, and accident data all confirm the need to minimize or circumvent the hazards created by crossing these corridors. While these hazards cannot be eliminated, given the tendency of some bicyclists and pedestrians to cross at random points, a thoughtful plan that identifies safe crossing points can help mitigate the problem to an acceptable degree.

By connecting trail access locations with desired destinations through these safe crossing points, we can begin to identify bicycle/ pedestrian trail corridors that meet the requirements of the community. While trail access locations are typically residential areas, destinations can vary depending on if the trail is being used for recreation or utility. In balancing the demands of “need” and “desire,” we are proposing a series of Loops and Spokes, where loops take people where they want to go, and spokes direct users where they need to go.

Loops

As the recreational component of the pedestrian/ bicycle trail system, loops will offer a path to those locations identified in surveys as places people would like included for reasons of aesthetics or pleasure. Those places include the bluff and La Riviere Park along the east loop, the river and St. Feriole Island along the west loop, the golf course to the southeast, and the Gremore Lake area to the north. The trail to these locations will offer bicyclists and pedestrians a relatively continuous path on which to exercise and enjoy the scenery.

Additionally, loops will provide users a way to circumvent the hazards and congestion at the center of Prairie du Chien, offering a path that avoids the arterials with high traffic counts mentioned earlier. By doing so, the loops present less delays and barriers than would otherwise be encountered by a trip through the city.

Spokes

Spokes represent the utilitarian component of the bicycle/ pedestrian trail system, directing users to schools, workplaces, and shopping centers that people need access to on a regular basis. For walking or bicycling to be considered a viable transportation alternative to the automobile, paths must be relatively direct in the line drawn between origin and destination. Research has shown that bicyclists are less inclined to use a path if it diverts more than a couple of blocks from a direct but undesignated route.

Spokes are located in such a manner to connect residential areas with the major retail, industrial, educational, and public assets as identified on the following Trail System Map. While it is cost prohibitive to connect all the assets in the city and adjacent townships, the spokes should be spaced so that most areas, both residential and public, are easily accessible from the trail.

Most importantly, spokes direct users in general, and children in particular, to the safe crossing points that traverse the barriers represented by the major arterials. By evaluating crossing guard statistics, speed zones, sight lines, and the presence of controlled intersections, we are recommending crossing points of Marquette Road at Vineyard Coulee Rd, Mooney St, Blackhawk Ave, Washington St, and Pine St. Safe crossing points of the east-west arterials are recommended at Main St, Beaumont Rd, Marquette Rd, and Randee Ave. These crossing points are contingent upon the placement of crossing stripes and warning lights; installation of controlled intersections (Washington, Blackhawk); and the construction of a bicycle/ pedestrian bridge (Mooney).

Back to the Top

Trail System Maps

The maps referenced in the following links represent an overview of the recommended system, showing the arrangement of Loops and Spokes that are composed of the four different types of improvements proposed: Shared Roadway, Shared-use path, bicycle lane, and paved shoulder. These improvements are discussed in greater detail in the Trail Improvements section.

North Loop

City Loop

South Loop

Back to the Top

Home

Segment Descriptions

City Loop East

4.7 miles – Describes eastern half of loop around the city, which parallels eastern city limits; connects northern residential areas with Bluff View School; and provides recreational users with path along bluff

Beginning at Cabela’s Entrance
Marquette Rd. south to Pine St.	Shared-use path along west shoulder
Cross Marquette Rd.	Marked cross walk with signage and user-activated yellow flashing lights [1]
Pine St. east to State St.	Shared-use path along north curb
Proposed Opportunity Center easement east to city limits	Shared-use path through proposed easement
City easement south to McLeod St. extended	Shared-use path on west side of city limit
Proposed Hoegsberg easement south to Pedretti subdivision	Shared-use path through proposed easement
Proposed Pedretti easement west to Randee Ave.	Shared-use path through proposed easement [2]
Randee Ave. south to Blackhawk Ave.	Shared roadway
Cross Blackhawk Ave.	Marked cross walk with warning signage and user-activated yellow flashing lights
George St. south to Wisconsin St.	Shared-use path along west curb
Wisconsin St. east to Jackson St.	Shared-use path along north curb
Jackson St. south to storm water easement	Shared-use path along west curb
Storm water easement south to Jackson Street continuation	Shared-use path through easement [3]
Jackson St. south to Webster	Shared-use path through unimproved portion [4]
Cross Webster Street	Controlled intersection with stop signs on Webster [5]
Jackson Street south to Taylor St.	Shared-use path through unimproved portion
Taylor St. east to Bluffview School easement	Shared-use path through proposed street extension [6]
Bluffview School easement south to Wells St.	Shared-use path through proposed easement along east property line
22^nd St. corridor south to city limits	Shared-use path beside proposed street
Cross proposed Edwards easement	Shared-use path [7]
Sand Burr Lane south to Vineyard Coulee Rd.	Shared roadway
Vineyard Coulee Rd. west to US Highway 18	Shared-use path along north shoulder
Cross US Hwy 18	Marked cross walk with pedestrian walk button at controlled intersection
Connect with City Loop - West at Vineyard Coulee Rd./ US Hwy 18 intersection

[1] The DOT recommends grade separation (overpass or underpass) for crossings of roads with traffic counts in excess of 8000. However, the crossing of Marquette Road at Pine Street is viewed as a temporary solution until a roundabout is developed at the Marquette/ Washington Street intersection. The Pine Street crossing will require a crossing guard in addition to warning lights during school hours, and a user-activation button for the warning lights during normal hours.

[2] Resident on Randee Ave. has requested a visual barrier between their yard and Pedretti easement.

[3] If the storm water ditch remains, the path would be along the berm, which would require widening and a retaining wall. If the storm sewer is relocated or buried, then the path could be located near the center of the easement. In either case, the church is concerned about bicyclists accessing the trail through their backyard, and has requested a barrier along the path and controlled access points.

[4] Residents along the unimproved portion of Jackson St. are concerned about privacy and have requested visual screening.

[5] Residents along Webster are concerned about the safety of bicyclists crossing truck traffic from the quarry.

[6] Contingent on proposed extension of Taylor Street

[7] Contingent on Edwards easement

Go to City Map

City Loop West

5.3 miles – Describes western half of loop around the city, which parallels the river; connects downtown with southern retail areas; and provides recreational users with path along backwaters and access to St. Feriole Island

Beginning at Vineyard Coulee Rd./ US Hwy 18 intersection
US Hwy 18 north to La Pointe St.	Existing Shared-use path
West along proposed Main/ La Pointe St. bypass	Proposed Shared-use bicycle path
Cross Iowa and Wisconsin Streets (US Hwy 18)	Marked cross walk with signage and user-activated yellow flashing lights
Main St. north to Blackhawk Ave.	Shared-use path along east curb
Cross Blackhawk Ave.	Marked cross walk with warning signs
Main St. north to Washington St.	Shared roadway
Cross Washington St.	Marked cross walk with warning signs
Main St. north to Cedar St.	Shared-use path along west curb
Cross Main St.	Marked cross walk with warning signs
Main St. north to Cliffwood Drive	Shared-use path along east curb
Cross creek bed	Bicycle/ pedestrian bridge
Cliffwood Drive east to Cabela Drive	Paved shoulder
Cabela Drive south to Cabela’s entrance	Bicycle lane
Connect with City Loop - East at Cabela’s entrance

Go to City Map

North Loop

6.2 miles – Describes the path north of the City and in the Town of Prairie du Chien, which connects the City with Township destinations; and provides recreational users with path through a rural setting

Beginning on City Loop - West at County K/ Cliffwood Drive intersection
Proposed easement west to tree line along river slough	Shared-use path through easement provided by property owner [1]
Proposed easement north along tree line to just south of Dillman residence	Shared-use path through easement provided by property owner
Proposed easement east to County K	Shared-use path through easement provided by property owner
County K north to Sports Unlimited	Paved shoulder
Alternate Route
County K south, back to point of beginning
Preferred Route
County K south to Limery Rd.	Paved shoulder
Limery Rd. east to Burlington RR tracks	Paved shoulder
Cross BN Railroad	Warning signs to dismount
Limery Rd. east to proposed township road	Paved shoulder
Township road south to Cliffwood Drive	Shared-use path along proposed township easement
Connect with City Loop - West at township road/ Cliffwood Drive intersection

[1] This segment is contingent on an agreement with property owners to establish an easement specifically for a shared-use path. Preliminary discussions with owners have been positive.

Go to North Loop Map

South Loop

7.0 miles – Describes the path south of the City and in the Town of Bridgeport, which connects the City with Township destinations; and provides recreational users with a path through La Riviere Park and to the golf course

Planning Note: We have requested that in the planning process for future Highway 18 improvements between South Town and Bouska roads, the DOT include a shared-use path along the north shoulder.

Beginning on City Loop - East at Vineyard Coulee Rd./ Sand Burr Lane intersection
Vineyard Coulee Rd. east to La Riviere Park boundary	Shared-use path along north shoulder [1]
Park designated route east to Wildernest Rd.	Shared-use path [2] on north side of Vineyard Coulee Rd.
Cross Wildernest Rd.	Marked cross walk with warning signs
Cross Vineyard Coulee Rd.	Marked cross walk with warning signs
Park designated route east to park entrance	Shared-use path on south side of Vineyard Coulee Rd.
Park driveway south to parking lot	Shared roadway along paved driveway
Park designated route east to park boundary, exiting through field adjacent to Beneker property	Shared-use path, sometimes parallel to but separate from horse trails [3]
Beneker property easement south to Red Cedar Circle/ Park View Drive intersection	Shared-use path through proposed easement
Park View Drive east to Ward Rd.	Shared roadway along developed road
Ward Rd. east to Bouska Rd.	Shared-use path along north shoulder [4]
Bouska Rd. south to US Hwy 18	Shared-use path along shoulder
Provide crossing of US Hwy 18 to golf course [5]	Marked cross walk with warning signs
US Hwy 18 east to South Town Road	Shared-use path along north shoulder [6]
Cross US Hwy 18 at intersection	Existing crosswalk
US Hwy 18 east to Vineyard Coulee Rd. intersection	Existing Shared-use bicycle path
Connect with City Loop at US Hwy 18/ Vineyard Coulee Rd. intersection

[1] Requires path over buried storm sewer in lieu of ditch

[2] The La Riviere Park Committee expressed a preference for a crushed limestone surface as opposed to an asphalt path surface.

[3] In short segments that parallel horse trails, measures will need to be taken to avoid conflict, such as warning signage and in some cases, barriers that separate users.

[4] Until Ward Rd. is upgraded in classification to a collector and appropriately improved, a shared roadway (signage only) could be used.

[5] This crossing is not required to complete the trail; however, several survey respondents requested a route to the golf course.

[6] Contingent on DOT approval and inclusion in US Hwy 18 plan

Go to South Loop Map

St. Feriole Island Loop

2.8 miles – Traverses historic St. Feriole Island, providing residents with a recreational path along the Mississippi River, and visitors access to historical sites

Beginning on City Loop - West at Main St./ Blackhawk Ave. intersection
Blackhawk Ave. west to N. 4^th St.	Bicycle lanes
Blackhawk Ave. west to 2^nd St.	Shared-use path along south curb
Ballpark easement south to Water St.	Shared-use path along St. Feriole Island ballpark fence line
Water St. south to recreational loop south of Hwy. 18 bridge	Shared-use path [1]
Water St. north to Blackhawk Ave.	Shared-use path
Water St. north to Fisher St.	Shared-use path on existing pavers along South Lawler Park
Water St. north to Bolvin	Shared-use path on proposed pavers along North Lawler Park
Water St. north to boat landing	Shared-use path between river and tracks
Water St. east to Villa Louis Rd.	Shared-use path along north side of road
Cross Villa Louis Rd.	Cross walk with warning signs
Proposed route east to truck route	Shared-use path along north tree line
Cross truck route	Cross walk with warning signs
Tree line east to public boat ramp	Shared-use path
West through boat parking lot	Bicycle lanes along north pavement
Boat access road south to Bolvin St.	Shared-use path along east side
6^th St. south to Washington	Shared-use path along east side
Washington St. east to Main St.	Shared-use path along north side (use existing sidewalk across bridge)
Connect with City Loop - West at Main/ Washington St. intersection

[1] The land proposed for the path south of the Wisconsin/ Iowa Bridge is owned by the State of Wisconsin at the time of this printing.

Go to City Map

Beaumont Road Historic Loop

1.5 miles – Provides residents and visitors access to historical sites located along Beaumont Road

Beginning on Wells/ Mooney Spoke at Beaumont/ Glenn St. intersection
Beaumont Rd. north to Hwy 18 intersections	Shared roadway
Cross Hwy 18 – Iowa and Wisconsin Streets	Marked cross walks with warning signs
Beaumont Rd. north to McLeod St.	Shared roadway
McLeod St. west to Main St.	Shared roadway
Connect to City Loop - West at Main/ McLeod St. intersection

Go to City Map

Marquette/ Dousman Spoke

2.6 miles – A corridor that provides a direct north/ south route through the city, and connects southwest residents with the proposed Mooney St. pedestrian/ bicycle bridge

Planning Note: Because of inadequate space within the right of way on Marquette Road for a bicycle facility, we are recommending Dousman St. as the preferred north/ south route between Crawford and Washington Streets. However, we are requesting that in the planning process for Marquette Road improvements the DOT consider at least a wide curb lane or at most a bicycle facility between Mooney and Washington.

Beginning on City Loop - West at La Pointe/ Marquette intersection
Marquette Rd. north to Mooney St.	Existing Shared-use bicycle path along west curb
Cross Marquette Rd. using Mooney St. Bridge (see 4.3.9 – Wells/ Mooney Street Spoke on page 62)	Proposed pedestrian/ bicycle bridge [1]
Marquette Rd. south to Crawford St.	Shared-use pedestrian/ bicycle path along existing sidewalk
Crawford St. east to Dousman	Shared-use path along north curb
Dousman St. north to Blackhawk Ave.	Shared roadway
Cross Blackhawk Ave.	Use existing cross walk
Dousman St. north to Washington St.	Shared roadway
Connect with Washington St. Spoke at Dousman/ Washington St. intersection

[1] Until the Mooney St. bicycle/ pedestrian bridge is constructed, bicyclists are encouraged to cross Marquette at the Wells St. intersection to make the connection with Dousman St.

Go to City Map

Campion Boulevard Spoke

1.0 mile – A connector pathway that links southeast and southwest city residents with the Marquette Road Spoke and City Loop

Beginning on City Loop - East at 22^nd/ Campion St. intersection
Campion St. west to 11^th St.	Shared roadway
11^th St. south to Marquette Rd.	Shared roadway
Cross Marquette Rd.	Marked cross walk with warning signs and median refuge [1]
11^th St. south to La Pointe St.	Shared roadway
Connect with City Loop - West at 11^th St./ La Pointe St. intersection

[1] Contingent on South Marquette Road improvements

Go to City Map

Wells/ Mooney Street Spoke

1.5 miles – Primary connector providing children walking or riding to school safe passage across the Marquette Rd. / Burlington Railroad corridor, and residents access to City Loop

Planning Note: We have encouraged the DOT to place the proposed bicycle/ pedestrian bridge over the Marquette St/ railroad corridor at Mooney St. rather than Wells St. due to higher activity at the Mooney crossing guard location, and easier access to the western landing of the proposed bridge.

Beginning on City Loop - East at Wells/ 22^nd St. intersection
Wells St. west to Dousman St.	Existing Shared-use path
Dousman St. north to Crawford St.	Shared-use path along east curb
Crawford St. west to Marquette Rd.	Shared-use path along north curb
Marquette Rd. north to Mooney St. Bridge	Shared-use bicycle/ pedestrian path along existing sidewalk
Cross Marquette Rd. using Mooney St. Bridge	Proposed bicycle/ pedestrian bridge

Mooney St. west to Wacouta Ave.	Shared-use path along north curb
Wacouta St. north to Blackhawk Ave.	Bicycle lane, one direction north [1]
Michigan St. south back to Mooney St.	Bicycle lane, one direction south [2]
Wacouta Ave. south to Glenn St.	Shared roadway
Glenn St. west to Main St.	Shared roadway
Connects to City Loop at Main/ Glenn St. intersection

[1] Will require the elimination of parking along one side of street

[2] Will require the elimination of parking along one side of street

Go to City Map

Downtown Spokes

.9 miles – With optional pathways along both Blackhawk Avenue and Hayden Streets, this spoke provides residents with access to county offices, the downtown, and Commerce Court

Beginning on City Loop - East at Blackhawk/ Randee Ave. intersection
Blackhawk Ave. west to Marquette Rd.	Shared-use path along south curb [1]
Cross Marquette Rd.	Proposed roundabout controlled intersection
Blackhawk Route
Blackhawk Avenue west to Main St. and bicycle parking facilities	Shared roadway
Connects to City Loop - East at Blackhawk/ Main St. intersection
*Hayden Alternate*
Marquette Rd. north to Hayden St.	Shared-use path along west side of Marquette [2]
Hayden St. west to Beaumont Rd.	Shared roadway
Beaumont Rd. south to Louis St.	Shared roadway
Louis St. west to Main St.	Shared roadway
Connects to City Loop - East at Louis/ Main St. intersection

[1] Will require the sharing of the pedestrian facility in the 500 and 600 block of East Blackhawk. May require a narrowing of the path where building setback distances do not allow a 10’ wide path.

[2] The required width for a shared-use path is contingent on additional property acquisition along Marquette Rd.

Go to City Map

Washington Street Spoke

.8 miles – A connector pathway that links northeast and northwest residents with the City Loop; and provides safe passage across Marquette Rd. at future controlled intersection

Beginning on City Loop - East at intersection of Washington St. Berm and city limits
Washington St. Berm west to Washington St. pavement	Shared-use path on top of berm
Washington St. west to Marquette Rd.	Shared roadway
Cross Marquette Rd.	Proposed roundabout controlled intersection [1]
Washington St. west to Main St.	Shared roadway
Connect to City Loop - West at Washington/ Main St. intersection

[1] Contingent on Marquette Road improvements

Go to City Map

Frederick Street Spoke

.7 miles – A connector pathway that links City Loop - East with City Loop - West, providing residents of northern Prairie du Chien and Homesteader Court access to both sides of City Loop

Beginning on City Loop - West at Main/ Frederick St. intersection
Frederick St. east to Burlington Northern RR tracks	Bicycle lanes [1]
Cross Burlington tracks	Warning signs to dismount bicycle
Frederick St. east to Marquette Rd.	Paved shoulders [2]
Connects with City Loop - East at Frederick/ Marquette Rd. intersection

[1] Will require the elimination of parking on both sides of Frederick Street

[2] A separate shared-use path would be required to reduce the conflict with truck traffic along Frederick St, which is on the increase.

Go to City Map

Back to the Top

Home