I-41 Expansion Near Appleton, De Pere Gains Momentum in 2026

APPLETON, Wis. — Work on the Interstate 41 project between Appleton and Green Bay continues this winter as Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (WisDOT) gears up for a busy 2026 construction season. The project, spanning Outagamie and Brown counties, is a major effort to widen 23 miles of highway from four to six lanes, while improving interchanges and bridges. Full completion is scheduled for 2030.

2026 Construction Season Set to Accelerate

“It really depends on weather,” said Bryan Learst, I-41 construction project manager with WisDOT. “We like to say early March is typical, but if we get a good February or if this thaw continues and we have decent temperatures and the ground starts to thaw, we could get started earlier.”

Drivers should expect lane shifts, bridge work, and interchange construction, including a new bridge in De Pere set to begin full construction this spring.

“We did the early fills last year to get everything up and get that settlement out where that new location is,” Learst said. “This spring when the weather breaks, it’ll be ready to go.”

Local Businesses Adapt During Closures

The project’s third year of construction follows the reopening of the Ballard Road bridge and diverging diamond interchange late last year. For local businesses, adjusting to closures and traffic shifts has been crucial.

“Making sure I am pushing catering on my social media,” said Sophie Swingle, owner of Snaps Wraps. “I knew that was what was going to keep me going—having the massive orders for catering rather than the foot traffic that comes through regularly.”

Swingle said the day the bridge reopened was a relief. “Just having that change on day one and seeing, ‘Oh, we did reach the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s here, people are coming,’” she said. “It’s like, ‘We’re back, baby.’”

Safety and Awareness Remain a Priority

Learst emphasized that even during slower periods of construction, drivers need to remain vigilant.

“Northbound right now, we do have the narrow bridges, so there’s a lot of braking and slowing down,” he said. “Just be aware and cognizant, pay attention and follow all the work zone rules.”

As the project accelerates in 2026, traffic pattern adjustments, new interchanges, and bridge construction will continue to impact local travel. WisDOT encourages drivers and residents to stay informed and plan ahead to navigate the ongoing improvements safely.

Key Takeaways

• The I-41 expansion project spans 23 miles from Appleton to Green Bay and will finish in 2030.
• Bridge and interchange work, including a new bridge in De Pere, will intensify this year.
• Local businesses, like Snaps Wraps, have adapted with creative solutions during closures.
• Safety reminders remain critical as drivers navigate narrow bridges and changing traffic patterns.

Originally reported by Nathan Phelps in Spectrum News 1.