Construction project to result in two traffic changes on WIS 178

Traffic signals at WIS 178 and Olson Drive to begin operating soon; work to shift to Cashman Drive

Release date: August 18, 2026

Traffic changes are coming on WIS 178 in the Chippewa County city of Chippewa Falls as a result of a highway safety improvement project on the roadway at Olson and Cashman drives.

WIS 178 and Olson Drive

New traffic signals have been installed at the intersection of WIS 178 and Olson Drive, and the signals are expected to start flashing later this week.

The initial start-up flashing mode is used to create motorist awareness of the new traffic signals. Motorists will encounter the following:

• Flashing yellow traffic signals if approaching the intersection on WIS 178
• Flashing red traffic signals if approaching on Olson Drive

Motorists should treat the flashing yellow traffic signals as a yield sign and the flashing red traffic signals as a stop sign. Several days after the traffic signals begin flashing, they will be placed in standard stop-and-go operations.

WIS 178 and Cashman Drive

Construction is expected to shift to the intersection of WIS 178 and Cashman Drive, and access to Cashman Drive from WIS 178 is expected to close to traffic on Monday, Aug. 24. That closure is anticipated to be in place for four weeks.

The addition of traffic signals at the intersection is part of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) highway safety improvement project on WIS 178 aimed at addressing operational issues and right-angle crashes at the intersections at Olson and Cashman drives. Construction also includes making access modifications at the WIS 178/Cashman Drive intersection by eliminating left-turn and through movements from the Cashman Drive approaches. 

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 for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.