Even if Kwik Trip was not going in or decided to not install its proposed driveway, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says you would likely have to deal with a raised median between Ashland Avenue and Duluth Avenue whether you like it or not. The discussion was reignited after last month’s Sturgeon Bay Common Council after the approval of a new driveway for the planned Kwik Trip was delayed because of the potential impact a proposed raised median would have on the businesses in the area. The purpose of the raised median is to limit cross-traffic left-hand turns, which could cause accidents or traffic to snarl up. The council heard from Destination Door County and other local businesses about how the raised median would impact their operations.

City and DOT officials met shortly after the meeting to discuss other options allowing Kwik Trip to build their driveway but also avoid having the raised median. Reducing the speed, creating a right-enter-only driveway, a seasonal median, and a partial median were all options proposed by the city that was rejected by the DOT. The department believes that the traffic safety in the area will be improved with the raised median and would likely be installed in that spot in the future regardless of what happens with the Kwik Trip.

City staff is recommending that the Kwik Trip property allow access for freight deliveries to reach Duluth Avenue and for customers for other area businesses if the council decides to approve the site plan and the driveway. They also recommend requiring the dedication of a right of way from Kwik Trip for a future connection to South Ashland Avenue and directing the finance committee to consider an amendment to improve the right of way between North Duluth Avenue and North Ashland Avenue.

The council will also consider its aquatic plant management plan when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.