I-41 Pavement and Structure Maintenance

Location map - two projects along I-41 between WIS 26 in the city of Oshkosh to Breezewood Lane in the city of Neenah in WinnebaThe Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on 17.1 miles of I-41 in Winnebago County The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.

Projects locations 

There are two projects along I-41 between WIS 26 in the city of Oshkosh to Breezewood Lane in the city of Neenah in Winnebago County. Each project location is identified by a unique Project ID. Construction will take place concurrently on both projects. 

Projects purpose and need

The purpose of the projects is to extend the life of existing pavement and structures along the corridor and to replace deteriorated guardrail and culverts.

Proposed improvements

This is a maintenance-level project. Proposed improvements include: 

  • Pavement repair along I-41 mainline and interchange ramps
  • Secondary structure improvements
  • Replace guardrail
  • Replace all metal culverts and other deteriorated culverts
  • Replace deteriorated median vane drains
  • Electrical upgrades at some interchanges
  • Pavement marking

Anticipated benefits

Improvements will provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting in less wear and tear on vehicles. Construction will extend the life of both pavement and structure as well as decrease future maintenance costs. Culvert replacements will provide better drainage and move water from the roadway surface, providing a safer roadway during rain events. Guardrail upgrades improve roadside safety.

Traffic impacts 

generic construction signage saying delays possible

It is anticipated that there will be off-peak, single and multiple lane closures along I-41 in both construction work zones.

  • Short-term ramp closures may be needed for pavement repair. 
  • If longer-term lane or ramp closures are needed for structure work, detour routes will be investigated. 
  • Traffic impacts will be announced on the 511 Wisconsin project website during construction. 

Schedule

  • Environmental document: Winter 2025
  • Preliminary design: 2024-2026 
  • Final Design: 2026-2028
  • Construction currently scheduled in 2030
    • Could be advanced to 2029 if funding becomes available

Real estate 

No right-of-way acquisition is anticipated as part of this 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 business, 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
  • Keeping customers informed
  • Tips for businesses
  • Temporary business signing during construction
    • Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
  • Visit WisDOT’s In This Together website

Public input/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. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be consider during design. 

Project contact

Bill Bertrand, P.E.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

944 Vanderperren Way

Green Bay, WI 54304

Phone: (920) 360-3124

William.bertrand@dot.wi.gov