The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements along 3.18 miles of I-41 from US 151 to County D in Fond du Lac County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the purpose and need for the improvements, explain the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location
- I-41 from US 151 to County D in Fond du Lac County. The project is split into two portions:
- Along I-41 from US 151 to County D
- Along a network of local roads to the northeast of the I-41/Hickory Street Interchange
Purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to address deteriorated pavement, high tension cable barrier, and guardrail that is not up to current standards, mitigate a known flooding problem along I-41 in the vicinity of the Hickory Street interchange, and address inadequate Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) truck movements at the I-41/US 151 intersection. Specific needs include:
- Pavement joints are showing signs of deterioration and some concrete panels are cracked. If not maintained promptly, the roadway structure life will be significantly reduced, and ride quality will continue to worsen.
- The existing high-tension cable barrier concrete bases are heaved above ground level and as a result may not function properly if impacted. The existing guardrail is aged with unknown post depths and is not up to current standards.
- There have been previous incidences of high water and overtopping of I-41 located within the vicinity of the Hickory Road interchange. The most recent instance resulted in the closure of I-41 on June 10, 2020. If measures are not taken to address the flooding issues, I-41 will continue to be susceptible to flooding and associated closures.
- The existing geometry of the I-41/US 151 intersection may not be sufficient for all OSOW truck movements.
Proposed improvements
The proposed improvements would include the following:
- Joint repair and base patching along I-41, and the I-41/US 151, I-41/Hickory Road and I-41/County D interchange ramps
- Replacement of the existing high-tension cable barrier and steel plate beam guard.
- Minor revisions to the I-41/US 151 intersection to improve inadequate Oversize/Overweight (OSOW) truck movements at this intersection.
- Inlet improvements in the vicinity of the Canadian National Railroad bridge over I-41
- Re-grading of a drainage channel at the northwest quadrant of the I-41/Hickory Street interchange
- New/replacement storm sewer outletting to the Fond du Lac River to the northeast of the I-41/Hickory Street interchange.
- The new/replacement storm sewer has two alternative routes that are being considered. Please review both routes and comment on which you prefer by one of the comment methods below.
-
View I-41 improvements public meeting PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
-
View I-41 improvements public meeting handout (PDF)
-
View I-41 other improvement projects in Fond du Lac County (PDF)
Traffic impacts
- I-41 will remain open to traffic during construction with off-peak lane closures maintaining one lane in each direction.
- The network of local roads that would be affected by the new/replacement storm sewer to the northeast of the I-41/Hickory Street interchange would be closed to thru traffic during construction.
- Access to adjacent properties and for first responders will be maintained during construction.
- Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways. The contractor will be required to notify homeowners and businesses before construction.
Schedule
- Public comment period: March 12 – March 29, 2024
- Environmental Document: May 2024
- Project design: 2024-2026
- Design completion: August 2026
- Construction currently scheduled in 2027
Real estate
Easements will be required for some of the proposed drainage improvements. WisDOT expects to begin real estate acquisition in 2025. If your property is affected, a member of our real estate team will reach out to you.
In This Together program for businesses
WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones have special needs. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business 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
Section 4(f) Property
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has regulations governing the use of land from publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and public or private historic sites. These sites are called Section 4(f) properties. The Wild Goose State Trail, and the trail connector to the gas station at the northwest quadrant of the I-41/Hickory Road interchange, are Section 4(f) properties. The proposed improvements may result in right-of-way or easement acquisition to these Section 4(f) properties, and if so, WisDOT intends to make a De Minimis impact determination.
Public input/comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public
as well as the needs of the local community and are welcomed and appreciated throughout the design process. The public comment period for this project runs through March 29, 2024. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be considered during design.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the I-41 Project Public Handout and mail it to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Ryan Erdmann, Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
920-492-3517
Ryand.erdmann@dot.wi.gov