The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is developing plans for proposed improvements on WIS 44 across the Fox River in the city of Oshkosh, Winnebago County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location
WIS 44 (Wisconsin Street) over the Fox River Bridge in the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County.
Project purpose and need
The need for this project is to prevent the deterioration of the structure steel caused by the corrosive effects of the natural environment. Corrosion is a serious threat to the long-term function and integrity of a steel bridge. Structural steel will corrode if left unprotected or inadequately protected from the natural environment. Applying a paint system to the structural steel is an effective way to protect the steel from the corrosive environment and needs to be removed and repainted to adequately protect the structure steel. Routine bridge inspections note signs of paint system deterioration and degrading with peeling paint and rust infiltrating through the paint existing system on the bridge.
Anticipated Benefits
The new paint system will preserve the structure integrity of the load steel members and extend the service life for the bridge along WIS 44. It will also reduce future maintenance costs.
Proposed improvements
Work will include removing the deteriorating paint system and repainting the structural steel members of the bridge. We will also replace the existing gate arms as part of the project.
Traffic impacts
The bridge will remain open to marine traffic and motorists. There will be lane and sidewalk closures on the bridge throughout construction.
Schedule
- Construction is currently scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026.
- Construction is expected to finish in the spring of 2027.
Real estate
No right of way is needed to construct 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 businesses, organizations, and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. The website includes promotional examples, case studies, and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on customer outreach and planning and advice for businesses impacted by highway construction.
Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
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 and are welcomed and appreciated throughout the design process. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be considered during design.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the
WIS 44 Project Public Handout and mail it to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Kurt Vogel, P.E., Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-362-1732
Email: Kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov