Expect single lane traffic, delays, and temporary ramp closures
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Governor Evers recently signed a contract for nearly $15 million to improve US Hwy. 51 north and south, between the Lincoln County line in Pine River and Lincoln County K in Merrill. Work is scheduled to begin July 19, 2021, according to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT).
The existing asphalt surface and the crushed concrete beneath that will be entirely removed and replaced with new base materials and asphalt. According to the release, “Other improvements include minor grading at median crossovers for traffic control, repaving maintenance crossovers and interchange ramps. Guard rail will be modified on the northbound US 51 bridge over WIS 64.”
American Asphalt of Wisconsin is the primary contractor.
“When construction begins, motorists will encounter single lane closures in each direction from 6:00 a.m. Monday to noon on Friday until mid-August 2021,” the release said.
Then, “After Labor Day, traffic will be counter directional in the northbound lanes from the Marathon/Lincoln County line to County K until mid-November 2021 while work on the southbound US 51 lanes occurs. Access to all ramps will remain open except for three-day closures during ramp work. Two consecutive ramps will not be closed at the same time. Construction will resume in spring 2022 on the northbound lanes.”
Construction is dependent on the weather but is scheduled to be completed by November 15, 2022.
Updates will be posted weekly or as needed at: https://projects.511wi.gov/us51nbsb/.
“Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal,” the release further stated. “Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.”