Client: Sheboygan County

Location: Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Donohue was retained to design the multi-use path along the City of Sheboygan’s west side to provide pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, connecting the south and north ends of the city. The 10-foot wide, grade separated asphalt path extends a total of 2.6 miles with a 14-foot wide section along the steep hills south of the Sheboygan River.

To address issues related to the steep terrain, heavy traffic, and intersection crossings, safety features incorporated in the project include:

• Full ADA access
• Separated path to protect pedestrians and bicyclists
• Pavement markings to separate high speed downhill cyclists from slower uphill riders and pedestrians
• Pedestrian refuge areas and push buttons at signalized intersections

Six structures were constructed to minimize impacts on adjacent properties and environmentally sensitive areas including three retaining walls of various heights totaling nearly three-quarters of a mile. Pre-fabricated pedestrian bridges span the Sheboygan River (185 feet long) and the Union Pacific Railroad (154 feet long). The river bridge includes a scenic overlook at the center of the river. A 1,000-foot long boardwalk spans wetlands. The river bridge and adjacent 1,000-foot boardwalk allows users uninterrupted views of the Sheboygan River and surrounding recently rehabilitated wetlands and wildlife habitat.

Sheboygan was one of only four communities in the United States selected to participate in the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP). This federally-funded program was created to demonstrate how walking and bicycling infrastructure can link community resources and increase rates of walking and bicycling. Sheboygan County received $25 million and has used those funds for 25 projects across the county. One of the County’s largest projects undertaken through this program was the Taylor Drive Multi-Use Path.