Proposed work includes painting girders, cleaning and painting abutment bearings
Release date: October 14, 2026
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public input on an improvement project rehabilitating the bridge that carries WIS 65 over the Stower Seven Lakes (Soo Line) Trail east of Osceola in the Polk County town of Garfield.
The public is invited to go to the project
website, review information about the proposed work and submit comments by Nov. 1, 2026, by:
- Email:
jeff.smith3@dot.wi.gov
- Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 2101 Wright St., Madison, WI 53704 Attn.: Jeff Smith
Built in 1960, the bridge needs maintenance to preserve the structure and roadway assets. WisDOT is proposing:
- Painting the exterior girders
- Painting the interior girders at spot locations
- Cleaning and painting all abutment bearings
During construction, WIS 65 will be reduced to a single lane at the bridge controlled by either temporary traffic signals or flagging operations. The trail also will remain open using single-lane closures and signing.
Construction currently is scheduled for 2028.
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.
For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s Northwest Region:
For more information, contact:
Christena T. O'Brien, Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 828-9471,
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov