Bridge replacement project to result in interchange closure

Demolition of the bridge carrying 50th Avenue over WIS 29 in Chippewa County town of Lafayette to result in full closure of highway overnight the week of March 17

Release date: March 6, 2025

The start of construction on a project replacing the bridge carrying 50th Avenue over WIS 29 in the Chippewa County town of Lafayette has been delayed a day to Tuesday, March 11, and motorists can expect the following traffic impacts:

• Motorists will encounter daytime lane closures on WIS 29 on Tuesday, March 11 and Friday, March 14.
• The WIS 29/50th Avenue interchange will be closed to traffic on March 14. This includes the eastbound WIS 29 exit and westbound WIS 29 entrance ramps.
• Traffic will be detoured via County J and County X.
• In addition, 50th Avenue will be closed between 160th and 171st streets.
• Traffic will be detoured using 160th Street, 40th Avenue, County J and County X.
• WIS 29 will be fully closed to traffic from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day for bridge demolition, beginning Monday, March 17 and ending with the reopening of the highway at 6 a.m. Friday, March 21.
• Traffic will be detoured via County J and County X.

Construction of a roundabout at County J and 50th Avenue is scheduled to begin Monday, March 17. The County J and 50th Avenue intersection will remain open through construction using temporary pavement and flagging to direct motorists through the work zone.

Haas Sons, Inc. of Thorp is the prime contractor for $5.26 million construction project.

Built in 1966, the bridge has reached the end of its service life. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation project will include:

• Removing and replacing the bridge
• The project will increase the vertical clearance of the bridge over the highway.
• Building retaining walls along east- and westbound WIS 29 at the abutments
• Replacing the roadway approach pavement and the pavement on the interchange ramps
• Replacing culverts, guardrail and pavement markings

The County J/50th Avenue intersection project, sponsored by Chippewa County and the town of Lafayette, will include:

• Constructing a single-lane roundabout at County J and 50th Avenue
• Completing approach work on all legs leading into the roundabout
• Increasing the roadway profile an average of three feet to accommodate the profile rise of the new bridge
• Replacing storm sewer

The projects are being coordinated and constructed at the same time.

The bridge replacement project will result in a second full closure of WIS 29 for a maximum of four nights between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. for setting girders on the new structure.

Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is scheduled for completion in early September.

For more information, visit the project’s 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.