WisDOT seeking input on US 2/53 pavement repair project

Work on Douglas County project also includes replacing culvert pipes, right-of-way fencing and guardrail; and completing work at rest area and Superior safety and weight enforcement facility

Release date: January 12, 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is sharing details on the change in scope of an improvement project planned on US 2/53 from 53rd Avenue East in Superior to County C in the town of Amnicon, all in Douglas County, and seeking public input.

The public is invited to go to the project website, review information about the proposed work and submit comments by January 30, 2026, by:

• Email: nicholasd.maki@dot.wi.gov
• Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
  1701 N. 4th St.
  Superior, WI 54880
  Attn.: Nick Maki

The pavement and culverts carrying storm water on US 2/53 are showing signs of deterioration as is the pavement at Rest Area 23 along the eastbound lanes. To address these, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is proposing the following:

• On US 2/53 in both directions:
• Repairing concrete pavement, including making concrete joint repairs and replacing concrete pavement panels
• Milling existing asphalt shoulders and overlaying shoulders with new asphalt
• Milling and overlaying side road connections and the WIS 13 ramps
• Installing shoulder rumble strips and gravel shouldering
• Replacing culvert pipes
• Repairing roadway slopes or embankments that have been eroded
• Repairing the box culvert at Bear Creek
• Replacing the large signs along US 2/53
• Replacing right-of-way fencing along portions of the project
• Repairing or replacing guardrail
• Updating pavement markings to current standards
• At Rest Area 23:
• Replacing existing exterior facility lighting
• Upgrading and modernizing pedestrian curb ramps
• Replacing select panels of sidewalk
• Cleaning joints and cracks on the existing concrete pavement entrance and exit to the facility as well as perimeter parking lot
• Repairing existing concrete pavement or replacing concrete pavement panels as necessary
• Repairing curb and gutter in spot locations
• Overlaying existing concrete pavement with asphalt at entrance and exit to the facility as well as perimeter parking lot
• Razing the existing maintenance garage and constructing a new garage and garbage area
• Adding additional semi-truck parking by increasing size of existing parking
• At the Superior Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility (SWEF):
• Updating and modernizing pedestrian curb ramps
• Refreshing pavement markings

During construction, US 2/53 will remain open to traffic, but traffic might be limited to a single lane in each direction. Repairs at the rest area might result in temporary closure of the facility.

Construction currently is scheduled for the 2028 and 2029 construction seasons.

Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.