The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region is investigating and developing alternatives for proposed improvements on 0.7 miles of WIS 32 in the city of De Pere, Brown County.
Project location
WIS 32 west of the Fox River in the city of De Pere between Eighth Street and the Claude Allouez Bridge.
Project updates for 2025
The preliminary design continues to be developed and refined prior to finalizing for the next stage of design. Updates at the 2025 Public Involvement Meeting include:
- Geometric updates to the intersection of Eighth Street and Main Avenue. The major change from existing conditions at the intersection is modifications to the westbound to northbound right turn lane, including lengthening the right turn lane and removal of the existing pork chop island.
- Geometric updates to the eastbound Main Avenue lane drop. To provide more advance warning of the lane drop to drivers, the signing and pavement marking will be improved to address concerns heard at the last public involvement meeting.
- Geometric updates on Main Avenue at Third Street where the travel lane pavement will be preserved. The project will now also include the increase in terrace area by reducing the pavement area providing a consistent typical section between Third Street and Fourth Street.
- The design at the at-grade railroad crossings along the project, including Main Avenue and Reid Street, continue to be investigated and refined. Railroad coordination is ongoing to finalize the design elements at the crossings.
- The design has been further refined in the area of Bicentennial Park. A portion of the sidewalk will be replaced and widening to accommodate bikes crossing from Fort Howard Avenue to Reid Street.
- Additional community sensitive design (CSD) opportunities coordinated with local communities are available for the project. CSD elements provide communities the opportunity to further enhance the project aesthetics and the additional funding opportunities provide more options for communities. WisDOT is coordinating with the city of De Pere to determine what aesthetic elements will be incorporated into the project.
Please see the project handout below for detailed segment updates.
Project public handout
WisDOT created a WIS 32 Project handout. Please feel free to download, print, and share. A PowerPoint presentation shared at the most recent Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) is also available below for download as a PDF.
For public meeting collateral prior to 2025, please contact the project manager.
Project FAQ
A Frequently Asked Question sheet is available for download. Please feel free to print and share.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to restore the ride quality of the existing deteriorated pavement and upgrade other roadway deficiencies on WIS 32 through the city of De Pere.
- Pavement at locations on WIS 32 in the project work zone have a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) as low as 21 out of 100. PCI is a measure of the roadway’s structural health. Individual pavement distresses are identified and calculated.
- Curb ramps are not compliant with the standards of the ADA.
Possible improvement alternatives
WisDOT is continuing to evaluate the following alternatives to be included with the finalized premininary design. The alternatives include:
- No Build
- Pavement Replacement
- Full Reconstruction
View the WIS 32 project alternative webpage for alternative details.
Anticipated benefits
Specific benefits depend on the alternative selected. All alternatives include:
- Provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting in less wear on vehicles.
- Decreased annual maintenance costs for the city, saving taxpayer dollars.
- Improved accessibility for pedestrians by bringing the non-compliant curb ramps into compliance with ADA standards.
- Replacement of the aging underground utilities prior to roadway paving
- Safety improvements at the at-grade railroad crossings
- Improved bike and pedestrian accommodations.
Traffic impacts
Impacts to traffic during construction are still being developed. Motorists can anticipate:
- Potential long-term lane and road closures and detours during construction.
- Access to businesses and properties would be maintained during construction.
- A pedestrian detour for construction activities at the curb ramps and on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Schedule
- Investigation and evaluation of alternatives: 2022 - 2024
- Public Involvement Meeting #1: December 2022
- Public Involvement Meeting #2: October 2023
- Public Involvement Meeting #3: January 2025
- Finalize Preliminary Design and Approve Environmental Document: Spring/Summer 2025
- Final Design: 2025 – 2027
- Real Estate Acquisition: 2026 - 2027
- Utility Reconstruction/Relocations: 2027
- Roadway construction currently scheduled to begin in 2028
Real estate
Real estate and right-of-way needs depend on the alternative selected. The real estate needs of the project will be better defined as the alternatives are developed and evaluated during this phase of the project.
Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs.
WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to businesses, organizations, and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies, and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Temporary signing for businesses with road closures
Public comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community. All comments are welcomed and appreciated throughout the design process. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods.
- Fill out the comment form with the prepaid mailer attached to the project handout
- Email comments or questions to the contacts listed below.
- Call the contacts below.
Project contacts
Joshua Lang, P.E., Project Manager
WisDOT Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 492-4141
Joshua.Lang@dot.wi.gov
Mark Kantola, Communications Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 492-4153
mark.kantola@dot.wi.gov