WIS 81 (WIS 23 to Wildcat Rd)

Project location | Project overview | Public involvement | Schedule | Traffic impacts/detours | Status/phase | Contact information

Project location

WIS 81 (WIS 23 to Wildcat Rd), Darlington - Lafayette County

Project overview

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is developing plans to improve a 1.2 mile section of WIS 81 between WIS 23 and Wildcat Rd. The current pavement is deteriorating and has extensive cracking and rutting.

Proposed improvements:

  • Pavement resurfacing
  • Improve curb ramps along WIS 81 in the city of Darlington to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to the maximum extent possible at the following intersections:
    • Wells Street, Keep Street, Ohio Street, Division Street, Clay Street, East Street, and Arthur Street
  • Install centerline rumble strips in the rural portion of the project
  • Replace the existing guardrail and end terminals with Energy Absorbing Terminals to provide safer conditions for motorists

Public involvement

June 2020 - Virtual Public Involvement Meeting (PIM)

Schedule

  • Summer 2026 - Construction anticipated

Traffic impacts/detours

WIS 81 will be open to two-way traffic.

  • Shoulder closures will be needed for pedestrian curb ramp and guardrail improvements.

Pavement resurfacing operations will utilize one lane of traffic in each direction with flaggers.

  • Motorists can expect to encounter flagging operations as follows:
    • Urban portion: One city block at a time
    • Rural portion: Between Arthur Street and Wildcat Road.

Status/phase

​Design

Contact information

Mahesh Shrestha, P.E.
WisDOT Project Manager
(608) 245-2674
mahesh.shrestha@dot.wi.gov

Michael Bie
WisDOT Southwest Region Communications Manager
(608) 246-7928
michael.bie@dot.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Southwest Region, Madison Office
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 246-3800
Fax: (608) 246-3843
TTY: 711
Email: swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov