Northwest Region Construction Update - 5/11

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) provides weekly updates on road construction projects in the following counties in northwest Wisconsin: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau and Washburn counties.

Ashland County

Highway: WIS 13

Location: Butterworth Road to US 2 in Ashland

Schedule: March 31 to mid-November

Cost: $9.87 million

Description: From Butterworth Road to 16th Street: Removing 3¼ inches of existing pavement and overlaying the roadway with 3¼ inches of hot-mix asphalt; replacing deteriorated culverts; and repairing frost heaves. From 16th Street to 6th Street: Replacing the pavement structure with 9 inches of Portland cement concrete pavement, 6 inches of base aggregate, 12 inches of granular subbase and underdrain pipe; replacing storm sewer system, curb ramps, curb and gutter; replacing sidewalk at curb ramps and spot locations; adding a designated bike lane between the travel and parking lanes in each direction on Ellis Avenue; removing and hauling decorative lights to city yard for repainting and reinstalling in landscaped medians; and replacing portions of the city water main in a separate tied project. From 6th Street to US 2: Replacing Portland cement concrete and hot-mix asphalt pavement with 9 inches of Portland concrete cement pavement; extending medians and left-turn lanes, remove one through lane and add designated bike lanes in each direction; and upgrading curb ramps at city street and trail crossings.

Traffic impacts: WIS 13 is open to most traffic. In addition:

• North- and southbound traffic is operating on the outside lanes between 16th and 6th streets.

• North- and southbound traffic is operating on the northbound lanes from 6th Street to US 2.

• The following are closed at WIS 13: Main Street West, 6th Street West, 11th Street west and east, 11th Street west and east, and Northland College northwest entrance.

• Truck traffic is being detoured via WIS 112 and US 2.

Barron County

Highway: US 53 South

Location: Bridges over US 8, 20th Street, Knapp Street, County I, Chetek River, County A, County AA and Carlson School Road between Cameron and New Auburn

Schedule: May 5 to mid-November, 2025 construction; March 1 to late September, total project completion.

Cost: $10.91 million

Description of 2025 work: Replacing the decks on the bridges over County AA and County A; overlaying the decks with concrete on structures over Carlson School Road, Knapp Street and US 8; making miscellaneous repairs to bridges; completing prep work for 2026 construction on the bridges over the Chetek River, County I and 20th Street; and replacing guardrail at the structures.

Traffic impacts: US 53 South remains open to traffic, but:

• Motorists will encounter lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 60 mph.

• In areas with lane closures, there is a maximum width of 15 ¼ feet on the open lane on the structure and 16 feet on the open lane of US 53.

• Motorists also will encounter intermittent daytime closures of the roads below the bridges during the work week.

Highway: US 63

Location: Just west of WIS 48 West to Charrie Lane in Cumberland

Schedule: April 28 to mid-September

Cost: $3.68 million

Description: Removing 3.25 inches of the existing pavement and placing 3.25 inches of new asphalt pavement; closing access to the roadway at various locations to improve safety; upgrading pedestrian curb ramps to current Americans With Disabilities Act standards; repairing or replacing curb, gutter and sidewalk; repairing sanitary sewer manholes and storm water inlets as needed; extending the two-way left-turn lane pavement markings between 3rd and 5th avenues; and replacing pavement markings and signage.

Traffic impacts: US 63 remains open to traffic, but:

• North- and southbound traffic has 12-foot travel lanes through the entire project.

• The parking lane and shoulder are closed along the southbound lane.

Barron and Washburn Counties

Highway: US 53

Location: 26th Avenue north of Rice Lake to Pine Grove Road south of Sarona

Schedule: Sept. 5, 2023, to late May 2025

Cost: $21.89 million

Description of 2025 work: Tensioning cable barrier in the median between 26th and 27th avenues to reduce crossover crashes; placing a high-friction surface treatment on the pavement in the same area to reduce crossover and run-off-the-road crashes; removing and replacing a concrete joint, which will result in a several-day closure of a southbound US 53 lane; and placing final pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: US 53 is open to traffic, but motorists will encounter lane closures in both directions through the weekend.

• Single-lane closures in both directions will continue the week of May 12 as crews apply a high-friction surface treatment on US 53; that work is expected to be completed sometime the week of May 19.

Buffalo County

Highway: County KK

Location: Lee Valley Creek Bridge in the town of Modena northwest of the city of Alma

Schedule: March 6 to late April

Cost: $385,991

Description: Removing and replacing the bridge and the approach pavement on both sides of the structure.

Traffic impacts: None; project complete.

Highway: South of WIS 35/54

Location: Town of Buffalo Park southeast of Fountain City to just west of County P

Schedule: April 8 to early July

Cost: $1.09 million

Description: Building a trail connection on the south side of the highway

Traffic impacts: Motorists will encounter a shoulder closure on WIS 35/54.

Chippewa County

Highway: WIS 29

Location: 50th Avenue interchange and the intersection of 50th Avenue and County J, all in the town of Lafayette east of Chippewa Falls

Schedule: March 11 to early September

Cost: $5.26 million

Description: For the WIS 29/50th Avenue interchange project: Removing and replacing the bridge, building retaining walls along east- and westbound WIS 29 at the abutments, replacing the roadway approach pavement and the pavement on the interchange ramps and replacing culverts, guardrail and pavement markings. This project will increase the vertical clearance of the bridge over the highway. For the 50th Avenue/County J intersection project: Constructing a single-lane roundabout, completing approach work on all legs leading into the roundabout, increasing the roadway profile an average of three feet to accommodate the profile rise of the new bridge and replacing storm sewer.

Traffic impacts: Motorists can expect the following impacts on:

WIS 29:

• The 50th Avenue interchange is closed, and traffic is being detoured via County J and County X.

• The inside shoulders on east- and westbound WIS 29 are closed at 50th Avenue.

• Motorists will encounter single-lane closures between County X and County J.

• Motorists might encounter a speed limit reductions during working hours.

County J:

• The highway is open to traffic at 50th Avenue and will remain open throughout construction, using temporary roadway and flagging operations.

  
  

50th Avenue:

• The road is closed between Stillson Elementary School and 171st streets to September, and traffic is being detoured using 160th Street, 40th Avenue, County J and County X.

• Access to residences and businesses is being maintained throughout construction.

Highway: US 53

Location: 40th Avenue in Lake Hallie to County B in the town of Tilden

Schedule: March 10 to late October, 2025 construction; and April 1, 2024, to late June 2026, overall project

Cost: $36.6 million

Description of 2025 work: Replacing the pavement on northbound US 53 and constructing temporary emergency pullouts south of County N; making repairs and completing polymer overlays on the northbound US 53 bridges over the Chippewa River and Business 29/County X; replacing the pavement on the on- and off-ramps at the County B and Business 29/County X interchanges; replacing the pavement on southbound US 53 north of County N, including the north- and southbound passing lanes north of County B; milling and overlaying the shoulder between County B and County Q along the driving lane of southbound US 53; replacing guardrail; completing culvert work; and installing new pavement markings and shoulder rumble strips.

Traffic impacts: US 53 remains open to traffic, but:

• North- and southbound US 53 traffic is operating on the southbound lanes between 40th Avenue and County N.

• The off-ramp from northbound US 53 to Business 29/County X and the on-ramp to northbound US 53 from Business 29/County X are closed.

• Motorists will encounter inside lane closures along northbound US 53 between County N and County S.

• Motorists will encounter inside lane closures along southbound US 53 between County N and County Q.

• The speed limit is reduced through the work zone.

Clark County

Highway: Kington Road

Location: Nelson Creek Bridge north of the city of Loyal

Schedule: Oct. 30, 2024, to April 2025

Cost: $336,867

Description: Replacing the bridge, approach pavement and pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: None; project complete.

Highway: County H and County K

Location: Northwest of Neillsville

Schedule: May 5 to early July

Cost: $.1.02 million

Description: Reducing the vertical profile of County H east of the intersection to provide better stopping sight distance and better intersection sight distance; and adding east- and westbound right-turn lanes on County H at the intersection.

Traffic impacts: The County H/County K intersection is closed.

• Access is being maintained to residences in the project limits.

• The following detour routes have been signed for:

  • County H: WIS 73, WIS 98 and County Y.

  • County K: US 10, County Y and WIS 98.

Highway: County M

Location: South Fork of the Eau Claire River Bridge in the town of Hendren south of Thorp

Schedule: Jan. 22 to early October

Cost: $2.81 million

Description: Removing and replacing the bridge, replacing the concrete approach slabs and guardrail and completing shoulder work.

Traffic impacts: County M is closed between Crystal Waters Court and Rock Creek Road.

Highway: WIS 29

Location: Koser Avenue west of Thorp to County D in Owen

Schedule: May 1 to mid-October

Cost: $23.74 million

Description: Making repairs to the concrete pavement; placing 3.75 inches of new asphalt pavement over WIS 29; removing 1.25 inches of the existing pavement on the ramps at the WIS 29 interchanges at WIS 73 North/County M and WIS 73 South/County T and placing 2.25 inches of new asphalt; replacing the expansion joints on the east- and westbound WIS 29 bridges over the Black River west of Withee; replacing all wing walls on a culvert carrying the Popple River under WIS 29 west of County D in Owen; replacing the northwest wing wall on a culvert between Thorp and Withee; cleaning culverts and ditches; and replacing guardrail and pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: WIS 29 remains open to traffic, but:

• Motorists will encounter single-lane closures in both directions between Gorman Avenue and County O.

• Starting the week of May 12, motorists will encounter single-lane closures in both directions between County O and County D at the east project limits and Koser and Gorman avenues at the west project limits.

• In areas where lanes are closed, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph during work hours in active work areas.

Highway: WIS 73

Location: Rock Creek Bridge in Greenwood to WIS 29 East south of Withee

Schedule: April 25 to mid-September

Cost: $8.29 million

Description: From Rock Creek Bridge to West Hunt Street in Greenwood: Removing 3.25 inches of existing asphalt and placing 3.25 inches of new asphalt pavement; replacing curb ramps and making spot curb and gutter repairs; replacing guardrail; and placing pavement markings. From West Hunt Street north to WIS 29 East: Removing 3.25 inches of the existing pavement and placing 3.25 inches of new asphalt pavement; replacing cattle passes no longer in use with culvert pipes; extending a box culvert north of Greenwood and replacing the structure's wing walls; overlaying the Popple River Bridge deck with concrete, repairing the concrete surface on the bridge abutments, replacing two wing walls and repairing scour; cleaning or replacing culverts; cleaning ditches; and replacing or adjusting guardrail.

Traffic impacts: WIS 73 remains open to traffic, but:

• Motorists will encounter a single lane of traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals at the Popple River Bridge.

• In addition, pedestrians will encounter temporary accommodations for sidewalk curb ramp work in Greenwood.

Douglas County

Highway: Hammond Avenue

Location: North 21st Street to North 28th Street, city of Superior

Schedule: May 5 to late October

Cost: $4.49 million

Description: Replacing the pavement, base and subbase materials; installing subbase drainage; replacing sewer and water utilities; replacing curb, gutter and sidewalk; constructing a median between the two traffic lanes; building a bicycle trail; and placing pavement markings and signage.

Traffic impacts: The road is closed.

Highway: WIS 105

Location: Minnesota state line to WIS 35 in the city of Superior

Schedule: April 28 to mid-July, 2025 construction; and Aug. 29, 2024, to mid-July 2025, overall project

Cost: $4.18 million

Description of 2025 work: From the Minnesota state line to the railroad crossing 200 feet west of Butler Avenue: Removing 3.25 inches of asphalt pavement and overlaying the roadway with 3.25 inches new asphalt. From the railroad crossing 200 feet west of Butler Avenue to WIS 35: Removing 1.5 inches to 2.25 inches of existing asphalt on the driving lane and 2.25 inches of existing concrete pavement on the parking lane; overlaying the roadway with 2.5 inches of new asphalt on the driving lane edge and 2.25 inches of new asphalt on the parking lane; upgrading and modernizing select sidewalk curb ramp slopes; removing and replacing curb and gutter in the village of Oliver; and removing and replacing guardrail at the Oliver Bridge and County W.

Traffic impacts: WIS 105 is open to traffic, but there are shoulder closures with minimal impact to traffic.

Dunn County

Highway: 810th Street

Location: Cranberry Creek Bridge

Schedule: May 5 to early July

Cost: $483,238

Description: Replacing the bridge, grading, placing new asphalt pavement on both sides of the structure, replacing guardrail and placing signage.

Traffic impacts: The road is closed at the bridge.

Highway: County D

Location: County K to 420th Street south of Menomonie

Schedule: April 18 to late June

Cost: $2.23 million

Description: Pulverizing the existing asphalt, relaying it and overlaying the roadway with new asphalt pavement; replacing culvert pipes, storm sewer, curb, gutter and guardrail; and placing pavement markings and signage.

Traffic impacts: County D is closed; through traffic is being detoured via County K and 440th Avenue.

Eau Claire County

Highway: I-94

Location: US 53 interchange to Mallard Road southwest of Eau Claire

Schedule: March 17 and mid-November, 2025 construction; and March 4, 2024, to November 2026, overall project

Cost: $69.9 million

Description of 2025 work: Replacing the pavement of westbound I-94 from Otter Creek to Mallard Road, the westbound bridges over County J and County D and the box culvert carrying Kluckman Valley Creek under westbound I-94 near County D.

Traffic impacts: I-94 remains open to traffic, but:

• Motorists will encounter single-lane closures on I-94 in both directions during nonpeak travel times.

• Traffic on westbound I-94 is operating on temporary lanes built in the median, with a reduced speed limit of 60 mph.

• County J is closed at I-94 until July.

• Traffic is being detoured via US 53, County D, County K and County JJ.

Jackson County

Highway: County N

Location: County C to Rabbit Run Road

Schedule: April 2 to mid-October

Cost: $3.85 million

Description: Replacing the pavement on an approximate 1.23-mile stretch; pulverizing and relaying the existing pavement on a 4.15-mile segment and placing new asphalt pavement; and replacing guardrail, pavement markings and signage.

Traffic impacts: County N is closed in the project limits.

Highway: I-94

Location: Bridges over the Black River in the city of Black River Falls and the Union Pacific railroad tracks in the town of Brockway

Schedule: Feb. 24 to late May, bridge construction, and Sept. 9 to mid-October, crossover removal, 2025 construction; and Sept. 5, 2023, to October 2025, overall project

Cost: $5.2 million

Description of 2025 work: Overlaying the eastbound bridge decks with concrete; repainting each structure’s girders; replacing their expansion joints, wing walls, approach pavement and guardrail; placing new pavement markings; and removing median crossovers.

Traffic impacts: I-94 has been reduced to a single lane through the construction zone in each direction. In addition:

• Traffic is being switched between east- and westbound lanes using median crossovers.

• The speed limit in the work zone has been reduced to 55 mph.

• Motorists should be aware traffic backups are likely during peak travel hours.

Pierce County

Highway: 490th Street

Location: Dry Run Bridge southeast of Ellsworth

Schedule: April 14 to late May

Cost: $332,644

Description: Replacing the bridge, pavement on both sides of the structure, signage and pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: 490th Street is closed at the bridge.

Highway: US 63

Location: US 10 east of Ellsworth to WIS 29 East

Schedule: May 5 to late September

Cost: $8.5 million

Description: Removing 1.25 inches of the existing pavement and place 3.25 inches of new asphalt pavement; replacing the decks on the bridges carrying US 63 over the south fork of Lost Creek, Lost Creek and a branch of the Rush River; replacing culverts, gravel shoulders and guardrail; cleaning ditches; and placing new pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: Construction on the project is being completed in three stages. Here are the impacts by stage:

• From May 5 to May 20, US 63 is closed from US 10 to WIS 72, and traffic is being detoured via US 10 and County DD.

• From May 20 to Aug. 4, US 63 will be closed from WIS 72 to County J, and traffic will be detoured via WIS 65 and County J.

• From Aug. 4 to Sept. 25, US 63 will be open to traffic, but motorists will encounter daytime lane closures controlled by flagging.

Polk County

Highway: County B

Location: County Z to WIS 35/48 north of Luck

Schedule: April 25 to late August

Cost: $2.78 million

Description: Pulverizing and relaying the existing pavement, paving the road with asphalt and completing shoulder work.

Traffic impacts: County B remains open to traffic, but motorists might encounter lane closures controlled by flagging during work hours.

Highway: County F

Location: View Lane east of Dresser to WIS 65 south of Balsam LakeSchedule: May 5 to June 17

Cost: $1.14 millionDescription: Milling a portion of the existing pavement, placing new asphalt pavement, adding shoulder gravel and replacing pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: County B remains open to traffic, but motorists will encounter lane closures controlled by flagging during work hours.

Highway: County W

Location: McKenzie

Schedule: April 25 to late August

Cost: $2.78 million

Description: Pulverizing and relaying the existing pavement, paving the road with asphalt and completing shoulder work.

Traffic impacts: County B remains open to traffic, but motorists might encounter lane closures controlled by flagging during work hours.

St. Croix County

Highway: 11th Street

Location: Coulee Road to Wisconsin Street in Hudson

Schedule: April 29 to September

Cost: $1.5 million

Description: Pulverizing and relaying the existing pavement structure and placing a thin layer of asphalt over it; pouring new curb and gutter along the west side and installing an asphalt multi-use path; installing Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk curb ramps at all crossings within the project limits; updating the storm sewer system to accommodate new roadway layout; and installing new water main and laterals from Summer Street to Laurel Avenue.

Traffic impacts: The road is closed to through traffic.

Highway: WIS 65/US 12

Location: 70th Avenue in Roberts to Richmond Way in New Richmond

Schedule: April 14 to September

Cost: $5.13 million

Description: Removing 2.5 inches of the existing pavement and overlay the roadway with 3.25 inches of new asphalt; adding centerline rumble strips; adding culvert liners and replacing culvert end walls; cleaning and shaping ditches; adjusting guardrail and grading end terminals; and placing gravel shoulders and new pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: WIS 65 is open to traffic, but:

Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures controlled by flagging. Because of the volume of traffic, flagging won’t be allowed from:

• 7 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on the south leg of WIS 65 from 70th Avenue to East Graham Street

• 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on US 12/WIS 65 from WIS 65 South to WIS 65 North and on the north leg of WIS 65 from County G to Richmond Way

Highway: US 63

Location: Bridge carrying US 63 over a branch of the Rush River in Baldwin and Spruce Street intersection

Schedule: April 14 to September

Cost: $2.34 million

Description: Replacing the bridge, widening the east side of US 63 north of the bridge and shift the Spruce Street intersection to the east, converting the current northbound US 63 lane into a turn lane for southbound US 63 traffic to turn onto Spruce, constructing a new northbound US 63 lane east of the new turn lane and replacing the culvert under Spruce Street, pavement markings and signage.

Traffic impacts: US 63 remains open to traffic, which has been diverted to a bypass road.

Highway: I-94Location: Bridges over Kinney Road and 100th Street between Roberts and HudsonSchedule: March 17 to mid-October, 2025 construction; and Sept. 9, 2024, to mid-October 2026, overall projectCost: $20.08 millionDescription of 2025 work: Removing and replacing the westbound bridges and 1,000 to 1,200 feet of the I-94 pavement on both sides of structures in both directions; installing storm sewer; and replacing guardrail and pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: I-94 remains open to traffic, but:

• Traffic on westbound I-94 is operating on temporary lanes built in the median near the 100th Street and Kinney Road bridges.

• The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph for traffic operating on the temporary lanes.

Trempealeau County

Highway: US 10

Location: Hunt Lane west of Eleva to Nelson Road in Osseo

Schedule: April 21 to early August

Cost: $8.6 million

Description: Removing 2.75 inches of the existing pavement in rural areas and 3.75 inches of the existing pavement in urban areas and placing 3.75 inches of new asphalt pavement along the entire length of the project; widening paved shoulders; adding centerline and shoulder rumble strips; adjusting or replacing guardrail; cleaning, repairing or replacing culverts; cleaning ditches and upgrading sidewalk curb ramps to meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards and completing curb and gutter work where necessary.

Traffic impacts: US is open to traffic, but:

• East- and westbound traffic is shifted south in Eleva around accommodations made for pedestrians during curb, gutter and sidewalk work on the north side of US 10.

  • This traffic shift is expected to be removed Monday.

  • Motorists will encounter temporary lane closures controlled by flagging Tuesday in Eleva as manhole adjustments are made.

• There will be short-term shoulder closures at various points along the project corridor for pipe work.

Highway: US 10

Location: Nelson Road to I-94 westbound ramps in Osseo

Schedule: April 14 to September

Cost: $5.78 million

Description: Removing the pavement from east of the Buffalo River State Park Trail to just west of Rose Lane and placing 8.5 inches of concrete pavement along with six inches of underlying base aggregate; repairing or replacing existing concrete pavement near I-94 at spot locations; making concrete surface repairs on the bridge over the north fork of the Buffalo River and overlaying the deck with concrete; replacing storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main; and replacing sidewalk, curb ramps, curb and gutter and pavement markings.

Traffic impacts: US 10 is closed to through traffic from County K to Rose Lane.

• Through traffic on US 10 is being detoured via US 53, County HH and I-94.

• Through traffic on US 53, where it runs concurrent with US 10 between its northern and southern legs, is being detoured via WIS 121, County HH and I-94.

• A minimum of two side roads in the work zone are open for north and south traffic.

• Access is being maintained to businesses and residences in the work zone.

Regionwide Bridge Painting Project

Highway: WIS 29, WIS 37, WIS 73, WIS 95, US 12, US 12/WIS 25 and US 53

Location:

• Dunn County: US 12/WIS 25, northbound bridge over the Red Cedar River in city of Menomonie; and US 12, bridge over Annis Creek northwest of the city of Menomonie;

• Pierce County: WIS 29, bridge over the Rush River west of Spring Valley;

• Chippewa County: County X bridge over WIS 29 southwest of Cadott;

• Clark County: WIS 73, bridge over Cawley Creek north of Neillsville;

• Trempealeau County: US 53, bridge over the south fork of the Buffalo River in Osseo; and WIS 95, bridge over the Trempealeau River in Blair;

• Buffalo County: WIS 37, bridge over Peeso Creek northeast of Mondovi

Schedule: April 28 to mid-October

Cost: $1.56 million

Description: Painting portions of the bridges in the order listed above under location, including abutments, bearing plates, bearings, girders, piers and splice plates.

Traffic impacts: Motorists will encounter single-lane and shoulder closures on US 12 as work is completed on the Annis Creek Bridge northwest of the city of Menomonie.

Regionwide Pavement Marking Project

Highway: Various

Location: In Northwest Region: Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Clark, Dunn, Jackson, Pierce, St. Croix, Sawyer, Polk, Trempealeau and Washburn counties. In Southwest Region: Juneau and Monroe counties

Schedule: April 28 to mid-October

Cost: $1.97 million

Description: Replacing epoxy centerlines, edge lines and special markings.

Traffic impacts: Motorists will encounter moving lane closures or traffic diversions where crews are working. The week of May 12, crews are anticipated to be working on segments on:

• WIS 27 in Jackson County

• WIS 93 and WIS 121 in Trempealeau County

For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s Northwest Region:

• Follow us on Twitter: @WisDOTnorthwest

• Visit the region’s 511 website: projects.511wi.gov/region/northwest/

Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.