Brief closure Apr. 15 - 16 for WIS 172 in Brown County

April 10, 2009

Overnight highway closure will last 12 hours

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region in Green Bay is announcing WIS 172 in Brown County will be completely closed to traffic from US 41 east to Webster Avenue from 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 15 until 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Apr. 16. During that time, a portion of the bridge deck will be poured on the span crossing the Fox River. This work is weather-dependent.

According to Michael Berg, WisDOT Northeast Region Director, “We are closing the road to avoid vibration from passing traffic that would impact the quality of the pour and subsequent set up of the concrete. This first pour is critical and with this brief closure, taxpayers are getting a better product.”

The portion of the bridge deck being poured begins at the east bank of the Fox River and extends for approximately 475 feet to the east abutment of Riverside Drive. It will be nine and one half  inches thick, incorporating 800 cubic yards of concrete.

The pour is expected to begin at 7 p.m. and last for approximately six hours. The remaining time is needed to allow the concrete to begin curing properly. Closing the road during the evening also allows for safer delivery of materials during the pour.

Berg added, “Fortunately, most of the traffic is already using alternate routes. The closure is occurring overnight and will be brief, so the impact to the traveling public should be minimal.”

During the closure, traffic traveling east on WIS 172 from the vicinity of the airport will be able to exit north and south on to US 41. Traffic traveling west on WIS 172 can still exit at Webster Avenue. Additionally, motorists will be able to access eastbound WIS 172 from Webster Avenue. The ramp from Webster Avenue to WIS 172 westbound will be closed.

Five more deck pours are planned, but a decision has not been made whether further closures of WIS 172 are needed. The weight of the completed pours could sufficiently dampen vibration from passing traffic, making subsequent closures of the highway unnecessary.

For more information, contact:
Kim Rudat, Regional Communications Manager
(920) 492-5743, kim.rudat@dot.wi.gov