Location
WIS 64, Wisconsin River Bridge in the Lincoln County city of Merrill
Project Overview
Built in 1927, the bridge is nearing the end of its service life. WisDOT is proposing:
- Replacing the existing bridge.
- Replacing the approach slabs and pavement leading up to them.
- Installing lighting.
- Replacing pavement markings.
Traffic Impacts
During construction, WisDOT is proposing closing WIS 64 to through traffic between the bridge's east approach and the intersection of WIS 64 and Valley Street and detouring through traffic via County K, County Q and County Z.
In addition, the following will be maintained:
- Access to businesses in the project limits.
- Temporary driveway and parking lot closures will be necessary along WIS 64 during parts of the construction process. WisDOT will contact businesses in advance before closing a driveway.
- Navigation of the Wisconsin River through designated areas.
In This Together
Knowing construction impacts businesses, WisDOT has created the In This Together program to help business owners navigate construction projects. For more information, please see the following:
Real Estate
The project will require temporary right-of-way acquisitions. WisDOT expects to begin real estate acquisition in spring 2025.
Project Schedule
- Local officials meeting - Jan. 9, 2025
- Public involvement meeting - Jan. 21, 2025
- Preliminary plan submittal - March 2025
- Environmental document completion - April 2025
- Final plan completion - Feb. 1, 2026
- Construction currently scheduled - 2028
- Work could be advanced to 2027 if funding becomes available.
Public Involvement
WisDOT is holding a public involvement meeting to provide project details, answer questions and obtain public comments:
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When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025
- A presentation is planned for 5:15 p.m.
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Where: Council Chambers, Merrill City Hall, 1004 E. 1st St.
For more information about the proposed project, please review the following:
Comments on the project are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2025, by:
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Email:michellem.guoin@dot.wi.gov
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Mail: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
510 Hanson Lake Road
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Attn.: Michelle Guoin