Governor Evers approves WIS 178 safety improvement project

Project adds traffic signals at Olson Drive, makes access modifications at Cashman Drive

Release date: June 30, 2026

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $1.01 million contract with prime contractor Chippewa Concrete Services, Inc. of Chippewa Falls for a highway safety improvement project on WIS 178 at the intersections of Olson and Cashman drives in the Chippewa County city of Chippewa Falls. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, July 13.

Chippewa Concrete Services is hosting a virtual business coordination meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at Chippewa Falls City Hall, 30 Central St. Participants also can join by:

• Computer: teams.microsoft.com/meet/27961131716678?p=xClkHA3fSrDn2Wfpef
  • Meeting ID: 279 611 317 166 78
  • Passcode: 5QB2NX7k
• Phone: (608) 571-2209
  • Phone conference ID: 780 996 421#

This intersection has experienced operational issues and a trend of injury angle crashes over the past few years. To address that, the WisDOT construction project will:

Install a traffic signal at WIS 178 and Olson Drive

Make access modifications at the adjacent intersection to the north, WIS 178 and Cashman Drive, by eliminating left-turn and through movements from the Cashman Drive approaches.

Following completion of the project:

• Left and right turns from WIS 178 onto Cashman Drive can still be made.
• Right turns from east- and westbound Cashman Drive onto WIS 178 can still be made.
• Cashman Drive traffic wishing to cross or make a left turn onto WIS 178 will be redirected south along Cashman Drive to use the traffic signal at WIS 178 and Olson Drive.

During construction, WIS 178 will remain open to traffic, utilizing single-lane closures between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Olson Drive will be constructed with shoulder closures. Cashman Drive will be fully closed for construction after work is completed at Olson Drive.

Construction is expected to take three months to complete.

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.