Governor approves replacement of two bridges on WIS 54

Structures at Wilson and Mill creeks west of Melrose at the end of service life

Release date: June 16, 2025

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $2.79 million contract with Lunda Construction Co. of Black River Falls for a project replacing two bridges on WIS 54 west of Melrose in Jackson County. Construction is scheduled to start Monday, June 23.

• Built in 1936 and 1959 respectively, the bridges over Wilson and Mill creeks have reached the end of their service lives. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is planning to:
• Remove and replace both bridges
• Replace the pavement on both sides of each structure
• Replace guardrail
• Replace pavement markings

During construction, WIS 54 will be closed to through traffic, and that traffic will be detoured via US 53/WIS 93, I-90, WIS 16, WIS 108, WIS 71 and WIS 54. Access will be maintained for local traffic, including at the Mill Creek Bridge, where a temporary single-lane bypass controlled by temporary traffic signals will be constructed. For the duration of the project, traffic on Salvage Road will only be able to turn right onto WIS 54.

Construction is scheduled for completion in late November.

For more information, visit the project’s 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.