MARSHFIELD — Proposed changes to Marshfield-area road classifications prompted discussion about transportation funding and how much land the city should reserve for future street improvements during the Plan Commission’s Oct. 20 meeting. Commissioners reviewed a Wisconsin Department of Transportation proposal that would change the classifications of several roads, including designating McMillan Street between highways 13 and 97 as a principal arterial. The commission also reviewed street right-of-way dedications associated with certified survey maps for property near McMillan Street and St. Joseph Avenue. Both matters were headed to the Board of Public Works for consideration. Road changes preserve funding eligibility Staff explained that the state assigns road classifications based on traffic volumes and other transportation considerations. Urban streets fall into four categories: principal arterial, minor arterial, collector and local street. Under the proposed update, Galvin Avenue between Yellowstone Drive and McMillan Street would change from collector to minor arterial. McMillan Street between Galvin Avenue and Highway 97 would receive the same classification. Farther west, McMillan Street between highways 13 and 97 would move from minor arterial to principal arterial. Other proposed changes include upgrading Palmetto Avenue between Fourth Street and Veterans Parkway, and Willow Avenue between Fillmore Street and Becker Road, from local streets to collectors. Staff said those connections help accommodate traffic serving nearby schools. A segment of County Highway Y would move from minor arterial to collector because its average daily traffic falls below minor arterial levels, according to the state’s explanation presented at the meeting. Staff noted that the road is maintained by Wood County but falls within the urban area covered by the map. The classifications affect eligibility for transportation assistance. Staff said certain state-administered grant programs require roads to be classified as collectors or higher. None of the proposed changes would move an affected road below that threshold. A commissioner asked whether the changes could affect designated ATV and UTV routes. Staff said the local ordinance appeared to identify specific streets but would need to be reviewed before providing a definitive answer. Dedications prepare for possible future needs The commission separately reviewed proposed dedications of seven feet of right of way along McMillan Street and two feet along St. Joseph Avenue. Staff explained that the city’s subdivision and platting code establishes right-of-way widths according to street classification. McMillan Street’s current minor arterial designation calls for 80 feet, while St. Joseph Avenue’s collector designation calls for 70 feet. Existing right of way along the affected properties is 66 feet. The additional land would be dedicated on the property’s side of each street through the survey map process. Earlier survey work had already secured some of the required land, and the revised maps provide an opportunity to address additional portions. Staff emphasized that there are no current plans to widen McMillan Street. The dedications reserve space for possible future improvements. Commissioners also asked about existing buildings near the proposed right-of-way lines. Staff said the dedication would not require removal of the existing structures. City code may need another look The discussion raised a broader question: whether the proposed principal arterial designation for McMillan Street could trigger additional right-of-way requirements under city code. Staff suggested reviewing Chapter 19, the city’s subdivision and platting regulations, to determine whether its requirements remain appropriate. The review could include an inventory of land already dedicated along collectors and arterial streets. Staff noted that the city had waived a dedication in another recent case while seeking one for the properties discussed Oct. 20. For the current McMillan Street request, staff recommended retaining the 80-foot standard described in the proposal. Much of the affected property had already provided land toward that width, and additional land could be acquired through other means if a future reconstruction project required it. Commissioners raised no further objections to forwarding the proposals to the Board of Public Works as presented.