For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public input on proposed improvements to WIS 54 between County G and Seneca Road, Wood County.

Proposed improvements include: County G to Wisconsin River Drive; removing and replacing asphalt; culvert replacement at Ripple Creek; curb ramp replacement; Wisconsin River Drive;

removing outside travel and parking lanes in both directions which would narrow the roadway from 48 feet to 32 feet; removing and replacing asphalt; storm sewer modifications; curb and gutter, curb ramp, and beam guard replacement; WIS 54 and Wisconsin River Drive intersection; realignment of the intersection at WIS 54/WIS 73 which would allow eastbound traffic to move freely while traffic northbound Wisconsin River Drive would stop.

Additional right of way is needed for the construction of curb ramps. Real estate acquisition is expected to occur between spring 2022 and fall 2023.

“During construction, WIS 54 will remain open to traffic from County G to WIS 73/Port Road. Motorists can expect to encounter lane shifts and single lane closures with flaggers. WIS 54 and WIS 73 will be closed to thru traffic from Port Road to Seneca Road with a posted detour of WIS 73 and WIS 13. Local access will be allowed with brief roadway and driveway closures,” a DOT release stated.

The public is invited to review materials on the project website at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/nc/wis54/default.aspx and provide input through Sept. 15.

Questions and comments can be directed to WisDOT Project Manager Mark Steidl at 715- 459-6105, or by email at [email protected] Written comments can be mailed to WisDOT North Central Region, 1681 Second Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54495.

Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled persons should contact the Wisconsin Relay Service by dialing 711.