Governor Evers approves southbound US 53 multi-bridge project

Barron County project includes replacing one bridge, rehabbing seven others

Release date: April 30, 2025

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $10.91 million contract with prime contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. of Waukesha for a project replacing one bridge and rehabbing seven others on southbound US 53 between New Auburn and Cameron in Barron County. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, May 5; that start is weather dependent.

Built in 1972, the bridge that carries southbound US 53 over County I just south of Chetek has reached the end of its service life. Also built in 1972, the southbound US 53 bridges over Carlson School Road, County AA, County A, the Chetek River, Knapp Street, 20th Street and US 8 need maintenance. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation project will do the following in:

• 2025:
• Replace the decks on the bridges over County AA and County A
• Overlay the decks with concrete on structures over Carlson School Road, Knapp Street and US 8
• 2026:
• Replace the decks on the bridges over the Chetek River and 20th Street
• Replace the bridge over County I and mill and overlay the ramp from southbound US 53 to County I and the ramp from County I to southbound US 53

In addition, the project will include milling off a portion of the pavement on both sides of all structures, placing new asphalt pavement on the roadway and replacing guardrail, pavement markings and signage.

During construction, southbound US 53 will remain open to traffic, but motorists will encounter single-lane closures on the highway. The southbound US 53/County I interchange ramps will be closed during milling and paving operations, and traffic will be detoured via the US 53/US 8 interchange.

Construction in 2025 is scheduled for completion in mid-November. Work will resume in spring 2026.

For more information about the project, visit its construction 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.