BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A number of highway construction projects are coming to NE Wisconsin in 2019, but the good news is that road closures should remain minimal.
A lot of the projects are to re-surface roadways.
Mark Kantola, Regional Communications Manager with the state DOT, explains why that’s necessary.
“They extend the life of the roadway, they make the roadway better for travel, which means less wear and tear on the cars,” says Kantola.
Years ago such operations would probably serve to close down an entire stretch of roadway, but now crews can come in and only impact traffic with an occasional lane closure.
“Technology has come a long way since the old days when you did have to shut down the roads,” explains Kantola.
In Brown County, three different operations are planned and one of them is a carryover from last year.
To provide context, Kantola believes that load is relatively light when compared to past years.
“Considering Brown County had about a six or seven year humongous construction project on [US] 41, which really impacted traffic, this is very light when compared to that,” he says.
The carryover work from 2018 is a resurfacing project on US 41 from Lineville Road to Norfield Road in the village of Suamico.
Lane closures and ramp closures could occur during non-peak hours, while the project is expected to wrap up by early summer.
Another project is taking place at the intersection of Ashland Avenue and Parkview Road to improve that intersection in the city of De Pere.
That project will take place from May to September and motorists should still be able to access various points of interest in that stretch.
“Parkview Road and access to all the businesses there will be maintained throughout the project,” he says. “So even though construction is going on, make sure you continue to visit those businesses.”
Lastly, the WIS 172 bridge over the Fox River in the villages of Ashwaubenon and Allouez are having blasting and painting work done to their steel girders.
“So you really need to be cognizant, you may see workers out on the bridge and you may have some flagging operations,” he explains. “And various night closures of the Fox River Recreational Trail.”
That work is set to begin Wednesday and will continue until November.
Updates on all projects can be found here.
