2017 was a year for enhancing the future of Wisconsin roadways

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announce their “Year in Review” of state and federal projects that were completed in 2017.  WisDOT continued to focus on the effective use of resources, cost saving opportunities, and performance improvement. Mobility, accountability, preservation, safety, and service continue to be the departments’ performance goals.

“Under Governor Walker’s leadership, WisDOT is operating under a new paradigm. Governor Walker directed WisDOT to reinvest let savings to advance a number of highway projects, identify cost savings and efficiencies, and effectively use its resources while maintaining a focus on safety,” said Dave Ross, WisDOT Secretary. “We remain committed to continuing to move Wisconsin forward in 2018.”

In Fiscal Year 2017, 600 miles of State Trunk Highway and local highways were improved and work was initiated or completed to rehabilitate or replace 387 deficient state and local bridges. In all, more than $946 million in construction projects on state and local road systems were contracted through the Department of Transportation.

North Central Region project highlights for 2017 include:

Old US 10/Wood County A, Village of Auburndale (Wood County): Following the removal of US 10 from the village of Auburndale downtown, an improvement project was needed to create a local system that would retain connectivity to the new US 10 and improve rail crossing safety. The project included replacement of deteriorated pavement, the closure of four at-grade rail crossings to improve safety, construction of a pedestrian underpass, and improved drainage. This project also represented the completion of the US 10 majors corridor between Marshfield and Stevens Point.

I-39 (Portage and Waushara Counties): Crews completed two projects to maximize the life of the I-39 pavement. Work involved milling and overlaying northbound I-39 with asphalt. Improvements included new concrete deck overlays and replacement of the approaches to five bridges, including the north and southbound bridges at the WIS 73 interchange.

US 45, Gollnow Road to Menzel Road (Shawano County): This important rural highway which connects the Fox Valley to the Northwoods received a pavement replacement to ensure the viability of the corridor.

WIS 77, Upson Lake Road to Odanah Road (Hurley) (Iron County): Crews improved an important Northwoods thoroughfare by resurfacing the highway and replacing four culverts.