Kwik Trip Traffic Impact Analysis Recommendations Approved by Council

By Joe Bachman

The Kwik Trip saga finally comes to a final conclusion, as the traffic impact analysis for the development area was approved last night by council members.

Last month city officials approved the conditional use of the property on East Riverview Expressway and Lincoln St. for the development of a new Kwik Trip, the fourth in Wisconsin Rapids.

According to the traffic impact analysis, studies showed that traffic generated from the Kwik Trip will have a minor impact on operations, but presents added safety issues. These issues were addressed by the same engineers that worked on the traffic impact analysis and formed a development agreement at last week's Finance & Property meeting.

Kwik Trip will dedicate 30' X 66' of property at the Dewey St. entrance as a right-of-way intersection. This will be paid for in full by Kwik Trip. The construction of the intersection will also include a stop sign by the Dewey St. exit.

"The reason for the recommendation to add that east leg of that intersection is because it is a unique situation," said Public Works director Joe Terry. "It becomes a cross intersection, and if it remains a commercial entrance it's a 'T' intersection, and the people that would be leaving Kwik Trip might not understand that they don't have the right of way."

Alderperson Tom Rayome shared his continued distaste on the matter, as he spoke against the analysis due to further safety concerns.

"I'm not saying Kwik Trip can't be there, and I don't have all the answers, but I don't think we're doing enough," said Rayome. "I think that we'll be doing more in a few years instead of the whole thing being done right the first time."

However, the consensus of the council was in favor of the analysis, and once outspoken alderperson Scott Kellogg thanked Kwik Trip for the patience and willingness to work with the city.

"The Dewey intersection is a concern I had initially, plus the design of the Kwik Trip -- but I don't have any qualms now." said Kellogg.

Development is slated to begin early next year.