Northwest Wisconsin Roadwork Update

Northwest Wisconsin is heading into the final month of the 2025 construction season with several key transportation updates from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). While most counties in the region currently have no active projects, Barron County continues to see steady progress on one of the area’s largest multi-year rehabilitation efforts. WisDOT’s latest weekly briefing outlines where work stands as crews prepare for winter and plan for a full ramp-up again in spring 2026.

Barron County: Major Work Continues on US 53 South

The most significant ongoing effort remains along US 53 South, where WisDOT is advancing a multi-structure improvement project stretching between Cameron and New Auburn. The scope covers bridges over US 8, 20th Street, Knapp Street, County I, the Chetek River, County A, County AA, and Carlson School Road.

• Project Schedule: May 5 to mid-December 2025 for construction; full project completion expected between March 1 and late September 2026.
• Cost: $10.91 million

2025 Work Summary (Expanded)

The 2025 phase focused heavily on strengthening aging bridge infrastructure and preparing the corridor for more extensive rehabilitation in 2026. This season’s tasks have included:

• Deck replacements on bridges over County AA and County A, extending their service life and improving driving conditions.
• Concrete deck overlays on structures spanning Carlson School Road, Knapp Street, and US 8, designed to protect against moisture, salt, and freeze-thaw deterioration.
• Miscellaneous structural repairs addressing surface wear, joints, and approaches.
• Prep work for next year’s intensive construction on bridges over the Chetek River, County I, and 20th Street, where contractors will undertake more complex rehabilitation and safety upgrades.
• Guardrail replacements to bring corridor safety features up to current standards.

These improvements are part of WisDOT’s long-term effort to enhance durability and resilience across high-traffic rural corridors, ensuring safer travel conditions and reducing future maintenance needs.

Traffic Impacts

Although no major disruptions are expected this week, motorists should plan for:

• Intermittent single-lane closures on County A and County AA
• Continuous single-lane closures on County I from Dec. 1–12

WisDOT reminds drivers to slow down in work areas, even when crews are not present, as lane reductions remain in effect.

Burnett, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer & Washburn Counties

According to WisDOT’s update, no active construction projects are currently underway in any of these counties. However, planning and design work are ongoing behind the scenes as the agency prepares for its 2026–2027 construction cycle. Projects expected to see movement next year include pavement improvements, bridge deck maintenance, and routine safety enhancements, though official timelines will be announced after winter.

Looking Ahead

As winter conditions move in, many major projects wind down, but WisDOT continues monitoring corridors, addressing weather-related maintenance, and evaluating next year’s construction priorities. Motorists across northwest Wisconsin can expect a more active season in 2026 as larger rehabilitation projects, including the next phases of the US 53 corridor work, move into full swing.

Originally reported by Dryden Wire.