FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Construction is underway to convert Interstate 41 from four to six lanes from Appleton to De Pere. Those traveling on I-41 this week can expect more of the same.
“We definitely want to keep the four lanes of 41 open to traffic during the day, and focus our closure work at night, so that we’re not impacting the highest use of that roadway,” Kyle Treml, Wisconsin DOT project manager, said.
This week, northbound and southbound lanes will both experience late night closures between Wisconsin Avenue and Richmond Street — a stretch of about four miles, according to Google Maps. But those are far from the last lane closures expected over the duration of the project.
“Starting construction at Rosehill Road,” Treml said. “Nightly work happening there, nightly lane closures occurring, mainly between 55 and County N — through that segment of 41.”
Demolition will start next week on the Rosehill bridge. That will subsequently lead to additional closures.
“We’re gonna have detour routes signed for those that are going to be on the roadway at those times of the night,” Treml said.
“Definitely ready for more of that,” Kaukauna resident Dana Fuhrmann said. “I do keep up on the Outagamie County highway website, just to make sure that I know which lanes will be closed so I can plan accordingly to either take the highway or go through town.”
Drivers like Fuhrmann are one step ahead.
“Slightly slower, but I used to commute to Oshkosh during the last update when they did from Neenah to Oshkosh,” Fuhrmann said. “So, so far this seems like it’s going a lot smoother than it did previously.”
Construction is expected to last until 2030. While that may seem like a long time to some, the end result puts it into perspective for others.
“When you go down to the two lanes, it’s like a funnel and it’s terrible, so I’m looking forward to Packers traffic getting easier, going to the Brewers getting easier. Just in general, getting easier,” Fuhrmann said.
Work also continues on the Capital Drive overpass. That’s expected to last until August.
Comments