Proposed work includes replacing culvert system carrying a branch of the Middle River under US 2 and the Tri-County Corridor Trail, constructing channel in Poplar
Release date: February 12, 2025
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public comment on a proposed culvert replacement project on US 2 just east of River Road in the Douglas County village of Poplar.
The public is encouraged to visit the project
website, review materials and submit comments by March 7 by:
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Email: jeffrey.olson@dot.wi.gov
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Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
1701 N. 4th St.
Superior, WI 54701
Attn.:
Jeff Olson
The culvert system that carries a branch of the Middle River under US 2 and the Tri-County Corridor Trail is nearing the end of its service life. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is proposing to:
- Remove both structures
- Install a new culvert on a new alignment under US 2 and the trail to safely pass a 100-year storm event
- The new alignment will shorten the culvert and better manage ongoing erosion.
- Construct an outlet channel along the north side of US 2 to address environmental requirements
- Replace living snow fence along the north side of US 2
- Living snow fence aids in reducing snow drifting across the highway.
Currently scheduled for construction in 2027, this project will be completed in conjunction with another culvert system replacement project about 800 feet west of County D in Poplar to lessen impacts on highway and trail traffic.
During construction, traffic will be maintained on US 2 with a short-term detour proposed during the culvert work directly under the US 2 travel lanes.
- US 2 traffic will be detoured on County F and WIS 13 for approximately two weeks.
- The property owners between the culverts will be required to use local routes to access US 2 during this time.
- The Tri-County Corridor Trail will be detoured for the duration of the project on Lackson, Bayfield, Center West Line and Elm roads.
- Both detours will accommodate this project and the tied project.
- Local and emergency access will be maintained to adjacent properties.
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.
For more information regarding traffic impacts, transportation news and improvement project updates in Wisconsin’s Northwest Region:
For more information, contact:
Christena T. O'Brien, Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 828-9471,
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov