North Central Region Road Construction Update
For the City-Times
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) provides a weekly update on road construction in North Central Wisconsin, which includes: Adams, Green Lake, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Oneida, Portage, Price, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood counties.
Construction-related traffic impacts are subject to change and are dependent on favorable weather conditions and construction status.
Marathon County
Highway: US 51
Location: Marathon County U and K/Business 51 interchange, Wausau
Schedule: April 1, 2013 to late November 2014 Cost: $28 million Description: Crews will reconstruct the interchange.
Traffic impacts:
- Motorists on northbound and southbound US 51 can expect to encounter single lane closures. The freeway will be open to two lanes in each direction during peak traffic hours, holidays and on weekends.
- The speed limit is reduced to 55 MPH in the work zone. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution
- The temporary northbound US 51 off-ramp to County K is closed. Traffic exiting to County K/Business 51 will be detoured on the northbound US 51 off-ramp to County U, and Merrill Avenue/County U.
Highway: I-39/US 51 southbound (*updated*)
Location: Between Business 51 and Foxglove Road
Schedule: September 10, 2012 to May 2014 Cost: $12.2 million Description: Crews will reconstruct the southbound I-39/US 51 lanes just south of the Business 51 interchange to north of Foxglove Road. The I-39/US 51 structure over Business 51 will be replaced and widened. The structure over the Wisconsin River will be re-decked and widened.
Traffic impacts:
- All northbound lanes on I-39 are open to traffic. All southbound lane closures will be removed on Friday, November 22.
- The speed limit will return to 65 MPH when all lane closures have been removed.
- Motorists can expect to encounter lane closures and speed reductions in spring 2014, when crews complete all remaining work.
Oneida County
Highway: US 51 (*updated*)
Location: Front Street to Old Hwy 70, Minocqua
Schedule: March 28 to November 22, 2013 Cost: $4.6 million Description: Crews will reconstruct the roadway; enhance pedestrian and bicycle accommodations via a wider outside travel lane for on-street bike users as well as a wider sidewalk; install a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) crosswalk just south of Rogers Drive; install new street lighting; replace storm, sanitary and water lines.
Traffic impacts:
- The decorative terrace (between the sidewalk and the curb) will be completed in spring 2014.
- All traffic lanes are open
- For more information about how the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) crosswalk, located south of Rogers Drive, operates visit the WisDOT Web site http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/phb/index.htm
Vilas County
Highway: WIS 47 (*updated*)
Location: West Bolton Lake Lane (Woodruff) to County D (Lac du Flambeau)
Schedule: July 15 to November 22, 2013
Cost: $3.5 million
Description: Crews will replace pavement, make intersection improvements, improve drainage, and place curb and gutter within the urban area of the project.
Traffic impacts: WIS 47 is open to traffic. Motorists can expect to encounter lane closures in early December when crews install light posts.
Wood County
Highway: WIS 73/80 (*updated*)
Location: Yellow River bridge (Pittsville); Rocky Creek (Pittsville); and two Beaver Creek bridges (south of Marshfield)
Schedule: June 3 to November 22, 2013
Cost: $3.2million
Description: Crews are replacing four bridges.
Traffic impacts: WIS 80 is closed to through traffic between County EE and US 10. The closure is necessary for crews to replace the existing structures and approached over the two Beaver Creek bridges. Traffic is detoured via County A to US 10. WIS 80 is expected to reopen to traffic before noon on Friday, November 22.
Motorists are reminded to drive with caution in the work zone and should be prepared to encounter slow moving trucks. Motorists should slow down, use caution and stay alert when driving through construction zones. To avoid delays, consider taking an alternative route and avoid peak travel periods.
For more information regarding traffic impacts in the North Central Region:
- Follow us on Twitter: @511WI_NoCentral for regional alerts from the Traffic Incident Alert System and for construction related traffic advisories.
- Check the Wisconsin Department of Transportation 511 Web site: www.511wi.gov
Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.