Cornell City Council - Is a delay of road construction good or bad?

Cornell City Council

By Ginna Young It’s not going to happen any time soon, but an update was provided to the Cornell City Council Nov. 21, about an upcoming roadwork project that will affect the area. The WisDOT is planning to resurface State Hwy. 27, from Cadott, all the way to Johnson Road in Cornell, which was news to Cornell officials.

“They’re now saying this will start construction in 2027,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

DeJongh tried to get an update on when the DOT plans to resurface Johnson Road through Cornell, out to State Hwy. 64, which was supposed to take place in just a couple years. The city had previously been told it would be a big expense for the city, since there are utilities in the right-of-way, as well curb and gutter.

“Now, they’re saying it’s not even on the radar,” said DeJongh.

Something that was on the radar, was the Teamsters Union labor agreement, which was approved by the council. The wages reflected represent the 3.3 percent increase, which the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission came out with, for contracts renewing in January 2025.

Also approved, were the city workers wages, also reflecting a 3.3 percent increase for full and part-time employees.

It was also agreed that the city’s holiday recognition for employees would be a $50 gift card for full-time workers and a $25 card for part-timers.

Dave DeJongh, City of Cornell administrator, spoke about about a planned road construction project that will come into the city limits from the WisDOT in 2027. Previously, the DOT had plans to go through the city with a reconstruction, but that has been pushed back to an, as of yet, undetermined year.

Photo by Ginna Young