US 51/WIS 29 freeway, Wausau area public meeting scheduled February 28

February 14, 2008

Public encouraged to attend - traffic impacts will be significant

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting a construction information meeting to discuss ongoing improvements to the US 51/WIS 29 freeway. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the commons area of Wausau West High School, 1200 West Wausau Avenue. Attendees should use the Wausau Avenue entrance.

The meeting will provide important information about this year’s Wausau area construction zones and anticipated impacts to traffic. A brief, formal presentation is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. All citizens with questions or concerns regarding this year’s scheduled improvements are encouraged to attend the meeting.

WisDOT representatives will be available throughout the meeting to answer questions about the US 51/WIS 29 freeway construction scheduled for 2008.

This year, motorists will encounter significant activity and traffic impacts near the US 51/WIS 29/Sherman Street interchange area:

• The northbound off ramp from US 51 to Sherman Street will be closed for two weeks in mid-March.
• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on US 51/WIS 29 between County NN and WIS 52 from late March to late April.
• Eastbound and westbound WIS 29 will be detoured via County R and County NN from late March to late April.
• Crews will close Sherman Street under US 51 for approximately two weeks in early April.

Other traffic impacts to be discussed include:

• From late March to late April, the WIS 52 on ramp to southbound US 51 will be closed and detoured. The County NN on ramp to northbound US 51 will also be closed and detoured.
• 24th Avenue, at the intersection with Sherman Street will be closed for approximately two months in spring 2008 for intersection reconstruction.
• Crews expect to close Stewart Avenue under US 51 for approximately eight weeks in October and November 2008 for bridge pier construction.
• Periodic lane closures will be required on 28th Avenue, Sherman Street, and WIS 29/52.
• US 51/WIS 29 may be reduced to one lane in each direction during off-peak hours.

Motorists can learn more about the US 51/WIS 29 freeway improvement project by visiting the Web site at www.5129wausau.com. They can also receive periodic construction information by clicking on the Traveler Assistance link and following instructions to receive e-mail updates. The e-mail updates relate to US 51/WIS 29 construction projects only.

For more information, contact:
Kristin McHugh, Regional Communications Manager
(715) 421-8380, kristin.mchugh@dot.state.wi.us