Public involvement meeting to discuss WIS 64 bridge project

Replacement of Wisconsin River structure proposed for Lincoln County city of Merrill

Release date: January 8, 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is holding a public involvement meeting to share details about the proposed replacement of the bridge that carries WIS 64 over the Wisconsin River in the Lincoln County city of Merrill.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to listen to the discussion, ask questions of project staff and provide input.

• When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
• A short presentation is planned for 5:15 p.m.; the remainder of the meeting will follow an open-house format.
• Where: Council Chambers, Merrill City Hall, 1004 E. 1st St.

Built in 1927, the bridge is nearing the end of its service life. WisDOT is proposing to:

• Replace the bridge
• Replace the approach slabs and roadway pavement on either side of the structure
• Install lighting
• Replace pavement markings

Construction currently is scheduled for 2028, but work could be advanced to 2027 if funding becomes available.

During construction, WisDOT is proposing closing WIS 64 to through traffic between the bridge's east approach and the intersection of WIS 64 and Valley Street and detouring through traffic via County K, County Q and County Z.

Access to businesses in the project limits and navigation of the Wisconsin River through designated areas will be maintained. However, temporary driveway and parking lot closures will be necessary along WIS 64 during parts of the construction process. WisDOT will contact businesses in advance before closing a driveway.

The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. Hard-of-hearing, deaf, deaf-blind or those with a speech disability needing accommodations should contact the Wisconsin Telecommunication Relay Service via 711 at least three days before the meeting.

Comments on the proposed project are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2025, by:

• Email: michellem.guoin@dot.wi.gov
• Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
  510 Hanson Lake Road
  Rhinelander, WI 54501
  Attn.: Michelle Guoin

For more information about the project, visit its design website.

Motorists are reminded that using handheld cell phones in Wisconsin work zones is illegal. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.