Business 51, Lakeview Drive to Kent Street/ Eau Claire River Bridge to Lakeview Drive, Marathon County

Location

Business 51, Lakeview Drive to Kent Street/ Eau Claire River Bridge to Lakeview Drive, Marathon County

Project Overview

The project proposes to remove all concrete (pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalk) and base material, and install base material, asphalt pavement, and concrete curb and gutter with a wide gutter for use as a bicycle lane. The project also consists of the following proposed work actions:

  • Adjust or replace existing inlets and manholes
  • Remove and replace traffic signals to provide a signal head per lane
  • Reduce the inside lane width from 12-foot to 11-foot from the Eau Claire River bridge to Lakeview Drive
  • Provide a five-foot bicycle lane from the Eau Claire River bridge to Kent Street
  • Install concrete sidewalk
  • Install curb ramps that meet ADA standards
  • Adjust street lighting as needed

Traffic Impacts

Business 51 will remain open to traffic utilizing single lane closures with bidirectional traffic and periodic intersection closures. Access will be maintained to businesses and residences during construction, except access may be limited during certain short-term periods. Motorists should expect some minor delays to occur.

Real Estate

Temporary and permanent real estate impacts are anticipated throughout the Business 51 corridor for sidewalk replacement, upgrading traffic signals, adjusting street lighting and grading.

Schedule

  • Public Involvement: December 2025
  • Construction is scheduled for 2030, but could occur as early as 2029.

Public Involvement

A public involvement meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Schofield City Hall.

Contacts

Zach Gruling, WisDOT Project Manager
Zachary.Gruling@dot.wi.gov
(715) 365-5770

Rhinelander Office
510 Hanson Lake Rd.
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715) 421-8346
WI Telecommunications Relay System (TTY): 711
Fax: (715) 365-5780
ncr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov

Wisconsin Rapids Office
1681 Second Ave. South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
(715) 421-8302
WI Telecommunications Relay System (TTY): 711
Fax: (715) 423-0334
ncr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov