Governor Jim Doyle recently signed a $5.4 million contract to improve 4th Street, between River Street and Leather Avenue, in the city of Tomahawk.

The Wisconsin River bridge is scheduled to close to traffic the morning of Oct. 1.

Lunda Construction is the prime contractor for the project. Crews will replace the 4th Street bridge, between River Street and Deer Park Road, over the Wisconsin River and reconstruct 4th Street, between Deer Park Road and Leather Avenue. Improvements include new storm sewer, decorative street lighting and pedestrian accommodations.

The bridge will remain closed until early July 2011. Motorists will be detoured via WIS 86, US 51 and County Rd. A.

Motorists on US 51 who want to get to Tomahawk businesses located north of the bridge are advised to take the US 51/Lincoln County A exit. Motorists on US 51 who want to get to the downtown businesses located south of the bridge are advised to take the US 51/WIS 86 exit.

Improvements between Deer Park Road and Leather Avenue will be completed under staged construction. Motorists can expect to encounter temporary lane closures and traffic shifts from one side of the road to the other. Access to businesses will be maintained.

Construction is scheduled for completion in fall 2011.

The project will be paid for with a combination of federal, state and local funds.