Wisconsin DOT to Make Permanent Changes at CTH K and US 18/151 After Deadly Crash Reduction
BARNEVELD, WI — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced permanent safety upgrades at the dangerous intersection of County Highway K and U.S. Highway 18/151, following temporary closures that significantly reduced deadly crashes.
Permanent Changes Coming
Construction, to be carried out by the Iowa County Highway Department, is expected to begin this fall. Planned changes include:
- Installation of a permanent center median
- Addition of a right-turn access lane from southbound CTH K
- Creation of a cul-de-sac on northbound CTH K
Officials say the goal is to prevent vehicles from crossing the median while still allowing safer turns.
Temporary Barriers Showed Success
Temporary blockages were installed in May after several fatal crashes at the intersection. Since then, authorities say the changes have been effective.
“We haven’t had any crashes out there at the intersection related to since the last crash beginning of May. So it’s worked,” said Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson.
Peterson emphasized that while the adjustments have reduced fatalities, he believes the intersection should remain fully closed to maximize safety.
Speed and Traffic Concerns
Sheriff Peterson noted that speeding remains a serious problem along U.S. 18/151, where vehicles are frequently clocked at over 100 miles per hour.
He has called for a lower speed limit, but such a change will likely have to wait until WisDOT completes its corridor study of U.S. 18/151 from Fitchburg to Dodgeville. The study aims to evaluate crash patterns and recommend broader safety solutions.
Local Residents Speak Out
Barneveld resident Wanda Owens welcomed the improvements but urged caution against reopening the intersection.
“I would prefer they do something, but do not reopen it; we’ve lost enough people there. Let’s not lose anymore,” Owens said.
She added that since the intersection closure, traffic through the village has increased, with heavier trucks and faster drivers raising new safety concerns.
“There’s heavy truck traffic and just more traffic in general, and some of it goes much too fast,” she explained.
Sheriff: Safety Remains Priority
Despite differing views on the permanent design, Sheriff Peterson stressed that keeping the public safe remains the top priority.
“I’m glad to see that we haven’t had any crashes within that intersection. It’s a lot safer for the people traveling through, the residents of Barneveld,” Peterson said.
He added: “Operator error is gonna hurt someone else’s family, or your family that’s traveling through, because someone didn’t see a stop sign. If we can get everyone to continue to utilize that off-ramp and on-ramp for the Village of Barneveld, people will continue to be safe.”
The permanent changes at CTH K and US 18/151 mark a major step toward reducing crashes in one of Iowa County’s most dangerous areas, with construction set to begin this fall.
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