News

In a recent board presentation, County Manager Dan Dunbar said cramped and outdated storage conditions at the current facility at 3303 U.S. 12 in Menomonie are hazardous for Highway Department employees and complicate operations. Limited indoor storage capacity forces equipment, materials and vehicles into tight quarters, increasing the likelihood of accidents, he said. 

“Our current facilities were not designed for the volume of equipment and materials we are managing today,” Dunbar said. “We are simply out of space, and that limitation affects everything from how we maintain vehicles to how we protect our staff.”  

Crowded storage areas make it hard to safely maneuver large plows, graders and other heavy equipment, he said, and narrow clearances and limited staging areas force operators to navigate obstacles, increasing the risk of accidents. 

“When space is tight, it becomes harder to separate equipment movement from worker activity,” he said. “That raises the chances of near-misses and incidents that could otherwise be avoided in a properly designed facility.” 

Another key concern involves the storage of materials such as road salt, sand, and liquid treatments. When adequate storage is unavailable, these materials may be staged in less-than-ideal locations, requiring additional handling or transport. Dunbar noted that this reduces efficiency and safety considerations. 

“Every extra step in moving materials creates another opportunity for something to go wrong,” he said. “Whether it’s equipment interaction or environmental conditions, those risks add up over time.”  

The proposal calls for constructing a new 72,000‑square‑foot, semi‑heated equipment storage building that would house roughly 70 pieces of highway equipment now stored outdoors. The plan also includes a 2,900‑square‑foot automatic wash bay designed to accommodate larger trucks. Additional exterior covered storage would be added, and the existing cold‑storage building would be repurposed for Sheriff’s Department storage. 

The current estimated construction cost is about $17.5 million, Planning would begin in 2027 with construction in 2028.  The fiscal effect is estimated to be about $51 annually for a home valued at $300,000. 

The project also proposes a major remodel of the existing highway facility, converting the current equipment storage area into a modernized mechanic and welding shop with improved accessibility and workflow. The renovation would add office space, bathrooms, storage, and a larger conference/training room 

Dunbar also pointed out that insufficient indoor storage forces some equipment to remain outside year-round. In Wisconsin’s climate, that means exposure to snow, ice, and extreme cold, which can create hazardous conditions when crews need to mobilize quickly.  

During winter weather events, when rapid deployment is essential, congested facilities can slow down getting trucks loaded, started and onto the road, Dunbar added, and delays and hurried movements in tight conditions can elevate safety risks for employees. 

“This is not just about convenience,” he said. “It’s about creating a safe environment for our staff and ensuring we can deliver services to residents in the most effective way possible.” 

The County Board is expected to continue evaluating options for expanded highway facilities as the board works on the capital improvement plan, with a decision taking place as part of the 2027 budget adoption in November. 

•  Highway E (I‑94 to Highway 40): Crews will replace several deteriorated culverts, pulverize the existing roadway and repave the 6.69‑mile segment with new pavement. Work is expected to begin in April or May. 
•  Highway I (Sand Creek to the Barron County line): This 3.56‑mile project will replace all culverts, widen shoulders, complete ditching, add base materials, pulverize the existing roadway and repave. Construction is scheduled to start in May. 
•  Highway C (Highway Z to Highway D): Work on this 2.41‑mile segment will include replacing all culverts, ditching, adding base materials, pulverizing the existing roadway and repaving. The project is scheduled to begin in June. 
•  Highway N (Highway M to Highway A): Crews will replace all culverts, widen the roadway, complete ditching, add base materials, pulverize the existing roadway and repave the 3.27‑mile segment. Work is expected to start in July. 
•  Highway Q/Wilson Creek Bridge (Project P17‑936): The contractor will remove and replace the existing bridge structure. Work is currently scheduled to begin in June. 
•  Highway D/Red Cedar River Bridge (Project B17‑078): Rehabilitation work will include a concrete deck overlay, abutment repairs, replacement of approach guardrail and installation of scour countermeasures around bridge piers. The project is scheduled for this summer.