Location
WIS 169 from WIS 13 in the city of Mellen to the Ashland/Iron County line.
Overview
The pavement on this segment of WIS 169 is showing signs of deterioration. The address this and other issues, the proposed project will:
- Remove a portion of the existing pavement and place new asphalt pavement on WIS 169 and side road intersections.
- Clean culverts and ditches where needed.
- Replace some culverts and place new ones.
- Repair an eroding ditch.
- Add centerline rumble strips.
- Adjust and/or replace guardrail.
- Enhance gravel shoulders.
- Place pavement markings.
During construction of this project, the deck on the Bad River Bridge also will be replaced.
Schedule
Construction currently is scheduled for 2025.
- Currently, work is expected to begin in early May, with completion in mid- to late September.
Traffic Impacts
During construction:
- WIS 169 will remain open to local traffic, cyclists and pedestrians for the duration of the project.
- WIS 169 will be closed to through traffic for five to six weeks for bridge deck replacement and a rail crossing update.
- Access to Copper Falls State Park will be routed through Mellen.
- Through traffic will be detoured via WIS 13, US 2 and WIS 77.
- This detour will remain in place for trucks for the duration of the project.
- Map - detour route
- Once the bridge is completed, campers wanting to access the park will only be able to access from south end of project. Campers coming from the north will have to use the truck detour.
- The North Country National Scenic Trail and others will remain open to hikers during the project.
- Access to the North Country National Scenic Trailhead near the Tyler Forks River will be allowed for the duration of the project from both the north and south.
Public Involvement
WisDOT is seeking public comment on the proposed project through Aug. 16, 2024, by:
Contacts
Jeff Saxby
WisDOT Northwest Region Consultant Project Manager
(920) 380-2805
jsaxby@sehinc.com
Jeff Olson
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Supervisor
(715) 395-3032
jeffrey.olson@dot.wi.gov
Christena T. O'Brien
WisDOT Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 828-9471
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Northwest Region, Superior Office
1701 N. 4th St.
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 392-7925, (800) 590-1868
WI Telecommunications Relay System (TTY): 711
nwr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov