Big changes for interchange

BROWN COUNTY - The new design for the US 41/Highway 29 interchange will make traffic flow much better, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation spokesman Kris Schuller.

"It's gonna be safer. It's gonna be more efficient," Schuller told FOX 11 at an informational meeting on the plan at Lombardi Middle School Wednesday night.

"It's a little overwhelming when people look at it but in the long run it's the best thing," Schuller said.

More than 50 people came out to learn more about the plans.

"I think it's gonna be confusing at first," said Rob Lehman from Tigerton. He said he frequently drives through the area and likes the plan.

"So far I think if they keep going the way they planned I think it looks pretty impressive," said Lehman.

Impressive is one word. Others, see it as imposing.

"The highway's gonna be 20 feet in the air and now they're trying to tell us that the noise will rise," said Chris Klapatch, who lives in a wooded area near the current Highway 29. But the new Highway 29, will almost be in her backyard.

"What's it gonna do to the value of our home? I mean, would you want to come in to a house that had a lot of trees and privacy and now have a highway in your backyard? Would you want to buy our home?" Klapatch asked.

The DOT is planning to buy all of the homes around Klapatch's. But she said since the project is not touching her property, she is not being bought out.

"I think they should be taking our home too. I don't want to move but I also don't want a highway in my backyard," Klapatch said.

Klapatch is hoping the DOT has a change if heart.

"We do our best to be fair with folks. Obviously you can't make everybody happy but we try our best," Schuller said.

Construction on the interchange is slated to begin in less than two years. It should be completed in 2015. Click here to see a computer generated flyover of the US 41 project in Brown County.