Outside lane closures coming on US 53 north and south of US 12

Inside lanes of travel and ramps to remain open, but motorists should expect delays

Release date: April 10, 2026

Motorists will encounter split lanes on US 53 in both directions north and south of the US 12 (Clairemont Avenue) interchange as early as Tuesday, April 14 as crews begin sawing concrete and removing pavement approaching the Otter Creek bridges from the outside lanes of north- and southbound US 53.

The outside lanes of traffic on north- and southbound US 53 will be closed north and south of the US 12 interchange, but the inside lanes and ramps at the US 53/US 12 interchange will remain open to traffic.

The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 55 mph, and motorists are asked to slow down, stay focused on the road and leave room between their vehicles and those ahead of them. Travelers also should expect traffic backups and delays during peak travel times and might want to consider taking an alternate route.

The work is part of a 2025 improvement project on US 53 between Golf Road in Eau Claire and 40th Avenue in Lake Hallie that carried over into 2026. In addition to bridge approach work, construction in 2026 includes making additional repairs in the US 53/US 12 interchange area and placing new pavement markings.

Chippewa Concrete Services, Inc. of Chippewa Falls is the prime contractor on the $10 million project.

Construction is scheduled for completion before Memorial Day.

For more information, visit the project’s construction website.

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.