WisDOT: Center Avenue construction on track despite summer rain

JANESVILLE — The reconstruction of Center Avenue remains on track to wrap up in November despite heavy rain in recent months, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says.

The $9.4 million tear-up and resurfacing of Center Avenue, from Nicolet Street to West Court Street, began in March and has impacted motorists, residents and businesses along the corridor.

Adam Kopp, a project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said the work includes replacement of a water main along the entire stretch and replacement of concrete pavement. He said phase two of the project will begin in mid-August. The area remains closed to traffic, and motorists are reminded to continue using alternate routes.

The stretch of Center Avenue south of the Rock River was built in 1919, just a few years after General Motors began heavy industrial operations on the south side. The northern section of Center Avenue was added in 1935.

Both stretches have been repeatedly repaired and resurfaced over the years.