Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a $25.9 million contract Oct. 7 to improve 14.2 miles of Interstate 41 from County D (Military Road) in Fond du Lac to Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 26 in Winnebago County, with construction to begin Oct. 21.

I-41 will remain open during construction, which is scheduled to be completed in October of 2025, with lane closures during less busy and nighttime hours. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, local road closures are expected during the project.

The project, which will be run by Northeast Asphalt of Greenville, Wisconsin, includes structural maintenance on 10 bridges, pavement marking, shouldering and repaving.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Regional Communications Manager Mark Kantola said in a press release that the construction will improve deteriorating pavement and drainage structures on I-41.

“This will provide a better riding surface for motorists, extend the lifetime of the roadway, and decrease future maintenance costs,” Kantola said. “Repair and replacement of culvert pipes will help mitigate water on the roadways providing a safer roadway for motorists. Beam guard and cable guard replacement will provide a safer corridor for motorists.”

In 2024, construction will begin widening the shoulders at the north end of the project, with the creation of crossovers and widening the shoulder at the north end of the construction zone in preparation for box culvert replacement next year. Some lanes will be closed between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. for northbound traffic and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for southbound traffic Monday through Friday.

The DOT reminded motorists to check its work zone safety website at wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/workzone/ to review state laws in work zones including the restriction of hand-held devices.

“Each year in Wisconsin, both highway workers and motorists are killed and injured in crashes that happen in highway construction zones,” the DOT said in a press release. “Motorists should slow down, be patient, and pay attention to their surroundings in this and all work zones.”

Starting next year, there will be more lane and shoulder closures, but I-41 will remain open to traffic. During construction, at least one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, and two lanes will be maintained during peak hours. County Highway D, Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 23, County Highway OO and Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 26 will just have lane closures during the project, but County Highway OOO, County Highway OO (Scott Street), County Highway Z and Lincoln Road will all be closed in 2025.

More information on the project and traffic impacts can be found at projects.511wi.gov/i41fdloutrehab/.