Remodel of Bus. 51 slated to begin in spring of 2025

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Editor’s note: This is the first part of an ongoing series about the massive reconstruction of Bus. 51, which is expected to start in the spring. 

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point is moving forward with the long-debated reconstruction of Business 51, a project that has secured significant funding in the city’s 2025 capital budget.

Despite past controversy, including a veto by Mayor Mike Wiza, the Common Council reaffirmed its commitment to the project, which includes the installation of a roundabout at Fourth Ave., this past March.

“The Council has made it very clear on multiple occasions that this is the direction we are going,” Wiza said, confirming the project’s green light. “We’re starting with the north section because a fair amount of that is TIF-funded, and the life expectancy of that TIF is the shortest.”

The reconstruction of Bus. 51, planned in multiple phases through 2029, is funded primarily through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and the Surface Transportation Program-Urban (STP-Urban). The funding breakdown for the project includes:

• 2025:
  • $5.5 million for the north segment reconstruction, funded by TIF District 5
  • $750,000 for the southern segment’s second phase design, funded by TIF District 12
  • $2.2 million for real estate and utility relocation for the southern segment, funded by TIF District 12
• 2026:
  • $3.5 million for the central segment reconstruction
  • $2.5 million for the southern segment’s first phase, funded by STP-Urban
• 2027:
  • $6.8 million for the southern segment’s second phase reconstruction
• 2029:
  • $8.6 million for the southern segment’s third phase reconstruction

Construction is set to begin on the north segment in spring 2025, with bidding occurring this winter.

“The goal is to have the roads passable by next winter, but if there’s leftover work, it may extend into early 2026,” Wiza said. He also noted the city’s intent to follow the same process used for other street projects.

Changes to traffic patterns may pose challenges for some residents, Wiza said. Raised medians installed as part of the project will restrict left-hand turns in certain areas, particularly between the block north of Main St. and the block south of Clark St.

“If you live west of Division Street, in the College Ave, or Briggs St. area, you’ll have to go around the block to get to your house because there’s a raised median preventing turns,” Wiza explained.

Despite those challenges, Wiza said the city is committed to public education efforts to ensure residents understand the project’s scope and impact.

“I think it’s important that people understand what’s coming,” Wiza said.