The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public feedback on proposed improvements to US 45 in the city of Oshkosh, Winnebago County. This website gives information regarding proposed improvement scope, schedule and traffic impacts, describes potential community impacts, provides information for businesses in the work zone, and offers an opportunity for public comment.
Notice of Public Meeting
WisDOT will hold a live, online public involvement meeting to discuss proposed improvements for US 45 via Microsoft Teams. The project team will share maps and displays via a live presentation. A comment, question and answer period will follow the live presentation. You can also listen to the project presentation via audio-only if you prefer. To join the meeting:
US 45 live, online Public Involvement Meeting
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When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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For full video and audio: Click the link below at the time of the meeting to enter the live meeting.
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For audio-only: Call into the meeting via phone. You will hear the presentation and be able to ask questions.
- Conference Call Number: (608) 571-2209, Phone Conference ID: 705 649 896#
Location
US 45 (Main Street) improvement is an urban pavement replacement project that extends for roughly 0.7 miles from 16th Avenue to the Fox River within the City of Oshkosh.
Purpose and Need
The main purpose of the project is to address deteriorated pavement, storm sewer, and local utilities. The roadway was originally constructed in 1955. The pavement has a minimum Pavement Condition Index of 47, indicating poor pavement. Storm sewer and local utilities will be 75 years old by the construction year and are showing signs of deterioration.
Public Handout
WisDOT created a public handout for this project. Please feel to download, print and provide to anyone without access to the website. The handout includes a comment form with a prepaid mailer.
Proposed Improvements
View project information handout (hyperlink to 41103400 handout.pdf – to be available May 14th)
The proposed improvements on this urban pavement replacement project include:
- Replacement of existing concrete pavement and curb/gutter
- Replacement of existing storm sewer
- Upgrading of existing curb ramps for ADA compliance
- Pavement markings
- Possible replacement of sidewalk outside curb ramp areas (city of Oshkosh cost)
- Replacement of deteriorated sanitary sewer and water main (city of Oshkosh cost)
- Street lighting adjustments and traffic signal replacements (city of Oshkosh cost)
City of Oshkosh has requested the following typical sections along Main Street that correspond with their Sawdust District Master Plan:
6th Avenue to 8th Avenue
- Existing right-of-way width is 60’ from 6th Avenue – 7th Avenue and 80’ from 7th Avenue to 8th Avenue.
- City views this as a transition section with no parking from 6th Avenue – 7th Avenue and parking along both sides from 7th Avenue – 8th Avenue.
- City is requesting two driving lanes with on-street bike lanes.
8th Avenue to South Park Avenue
- Existing right-of-way width is 80’ from 8th Avenue – 9th Avenue, 60’ from 9th Avenue – 11th Avenue, and 80’ from 11th Avenue to South Park Avenue.
- City is requesting two driving lanes, left turn lanes, on-street bike lanes, parking along both sides, and 8’ sidewalk (paved terrace) throughout this section.
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NOTE: All real estate acquisition along east side of Main Street between 9th Avenue and 11th Avenue to achieve an 80’ wide corridor will be completed by city of Oshkosh separately from this project.
South Park Avenue to 16th Avenue
- Existing right-of-way width is 60’ from South Park Avenue – 16th Avenue.
- City is requesting two driving lanes, two-way left turn lanes (TWLTL), on-street bike lanes, sidewalks, no on-street parking.
- This segment would match recently restriped segment of US 45 south of 16th Avenue which includes bike lanes and a TWLTL.
Schedule
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Design is on-going and will continue through 2030.
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A public involvement meeting is planned for summer 2025.
- Invitations will be sent in advance and announced on this website.
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Real estate acquisition is anticipated to begin in 2027 or 2028:
- Temporary limited easements (TLEs) and possible minor land acquisition for upgrading of curb ramps is anticipated.
- A member of our real estate staff will contact you if WisDOT is acquiring any land interest.
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Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2031.
- Construction will not overlap with the
Oregon/Jackson Street Bridge project on a parallel downtown corridor.
- Based on updated schedule, bridge construction will finish in fall of 2030, so the US 45/Main Street roadway project is slated for 2031.
Traffic Impacts
US 45 (Main Street) will be closed and detoured during construction. A formal detour route hasn’t been determined, but this will be investigated as design proceeds. Emergency and business access will be maintained.
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
- Staying informed
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at
www.wisconsindot.gov/Together.
Temporary Business Signing
Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction. To learn more about temporary business signing, please see our
In This Together - Temporary Signing Application.
Section 4(f)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has regulations governing the use of land from publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, and any significant public or private historical or archeological sites. These sites are called Section 4(f) properties. The proposed improvements may result in right-of-way or easement acquisition to Section 4(f) properties.
Public comment
We would like your input on this project. You can download the attached comment form and mail it to project staff via pre-paid mailer, email any comments to any of the below contacts, or give us a call.
Contacts
Bill Bertrand, P.E.
Project Manager
Phone: (920) 360-3124
william.bertrand@dot.wi.gov
Tammy Rabe, P.E.
Project Supervisor
Phone: (920) 492-5668
tammy.rabe@dot.wi.gov
Address:
WisDOT – Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304-5344