Client: City of Kenosha

Clark Dietz, Inc. was recently honored with the 2025 ACEC Wisconsin Engineering Excellence Best of State Award for its successful work on the 60th Street Corridor Reconstruction project. This six-year phased infrastructure project transformed one of Kenosha’s busiest transportation routes into a modern, flood-resilient, and sustainable corridor.

People in between concrete rollers

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

The corridor faced aging infrastructure, congestion, and insufficient stormwater systems. Clark Dietz designed a comprehensive solution focused on durability and flood protection.

Key improvements included:

  • A custom 78-inch storm sewer tied to an 84-inch outfall at 39th Avenue

  • Direct stormwater flow to Lake Michigan, reducing flood risk

  • Upgraded stormwater infrastructure on the east end following a citywide flood study

Overcoming Technical Complexities

One of the major challenges faced during construction was the area’s dense network of underground utilities. Known as a “spaghetti bowl,” this web of existing services required custom-designed structures to prevent disruption. Clark Dietz engineers designed a 14-foot by 18-foot box and a 10-foot drop structure to safely channel stormwater without disturbing essential utilities. The team’s innovative approach allowed the infrastructure to be updated without service interruptions, ensuring continuity for residents and businesses alike.

Construction being done on the corridor

Navigating Unforeseen Storms

While the project was underway, Kenosha was hit with two back-to-back 100-year storms, which significantly impacted open trenches and exposed a vital 24-inch water main. Clark Dietz’s team responded quickly, employing slurry backfill to stabilize exposed infrastructure and deploying a Pipe Balloon to redirect stormwater upstream. These swift actions prevented further erosion and allowed the project to stay on track despite the unexpected weather events.

Enhancing Community Infrastructure

Construction on the site

Beyond technical upgrades, the project also brought substantial community benefits:

  • New pavement for smoother travel

  • LED street lighting for improved visibility and efficiency

  • Preserved parkway trees for neighborhood aesthetics

  • Adapted construction schedules to accommodate local events and minimize disruption

An expanded Segment 3 was added after a citywide flood study, reinforcing the eastern segment’s integration with existing drainage infrastructure.

A Lasting Impact

The completed roadway

The 60th Street Corridor Reconstruction project represents more than just an engineering achievement; it is a lasting infrastructure solution that balances technical complexity with cost efficiency and community impact. The project was completed $1.5 million under budget and serves as a model for resilient infrastructure, with improvements that will benefit Kenosha’s residents, businesses, and future growth for years to come.

Clark Dietz’s innovative work on the 60th Street Corridor highlights their commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure that addresses both current and future needs while enhancing the safety, resilience, and mobility of the community.