WIS 147 improvements - Manitowoc County

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for the proposed improvements on WIS 147 in Manitowoc County. The purpose of this project design website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe potential impacts on the community, and offer the public an opportunity to comment prior to final design. Please review the project information below and provide feedback via prepaid mailer, email or phone. 

Notice of public meeting

WisDOT will hold a public involvement meeting to show proposed improvements and receive feedback from the public. The meeting will be held live, online via Microsoft Teams on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. Simply click the link below at the time of the meeting to join the presentation.

WIS 147 Live, online public involvement meeting

• When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025
  
• For full video and audio: Access the meeting by clicking on the 'go to live meeting” link below at the time of the meeting.
• Click here to go to live public meeting (at the day/time of the meeting)
  
• For audio-only: Call into the meeting via phone. You will hear the presentation and be able to ask questions.
• Conference Call Number: (608) 571-2209 Phone Conference ID: 217 391 70 #
  
• All information to be shown at the PIM is also available on this website.
  

Project location

The project is located along 12.58 miles of WIS 147 between the city of Two Rivers and village of Maribel in Manitowoc County. The project also goes through the village of Mishicot and the unincorporated community of Larrabee.

• View WIS 147 Project location map (pdf)
  

Project public handout

WisDOT has created a WIS 147 Project public handout for this project. Please feel free to download, print, and share. 

• WIS 147 Project Public Handout (pdf)

The purpose of the project is to improve the deteriorating pavement and drainage structures on WIS 147 to extend the roadway’s service life and upgrade other roadway deficiencies. Currently, the existing pavement is showing signs of deterioration. The existing beam guard has exceeded its service life and the metal pipes under the highway are deteriorating. The bridge over the East Twin River north of Mishicot is also in need of repairs. 

Anticipated benefits

Resurfacing the roadway will provide a smoother ride for motorists, extend the life of the pavement, and decrease future maintenance costs. Culvert repairs/replacements will help ensure proper drainage and lessen the likelihood of collapse. Beam guard upgrades will provide a greater level of safety should impact occur. 

Proposed improvements

This is a resurface-level project. Proposed improvements include: 

• In areas with asphalt pavement: mill the existing surface and overlay with new asphalt
• In areas with concrete pavement: base patch the concrete pavement and overlay with new asphalt
• Concrete bridge deck overlay (East Twin River Bridge)
• New curb ramps in Mishicot
• New intersection bump outs at select locations in Mishicot
• Culvert replacements and cleaning
  
• Beam guard replacement 
  
• Pavement marking replacement
  
• View WIS 147 construction exhibit (pdf, two exhibits pages)
  
• Includes location of proposed construciton improvements
  

Traffic impacts

Construction is currently scheduled to take place in 2029. Construction operations will be conducted under traffic as well as under two different closures and detour routes. 

During construction of culverts and the bridge, WIS 147 will be detoured. 

• View WIS 147 detour route 1 (pdf)
• View WIS 147 detour route 2 (pdf)
  
• Access to business and driveways will be maintained during construction. 
• Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways while construction occurs in the immediate area.
  

Pedestrian impacts

• Shoulders along WIS 147 through Mishicot will be closed during the curb ramp replacements. 
• Pedestrians can expect short-term sidewalk and curb ramp closures. 
• Pedestrians will be diverted to the sidewalk on the opposite side of the closures where possible with temporary pedestrian accommodations provided at other locations. 

When work is being conducted without a closure and detour, motorists can expect to encounter single lane closures and flagging operations in the work zone.

Schedule

• Public involvement: February 2024
• Environmental document: January 2025
• Real estate acquisitions begin: Fall 2025
• Final plans: August 2028
• Construction: Spring 2029 to Fall 2029

Real estate 

Some temporary easements may be needed to accommodate guardrail and culvert replacements, and curb ramp replacements. Real estate impacts are still being determined. A member of our real estate department will contact you if your property will be impacted by this project. 

Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program

WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs. WisDOT's In This Together program is offered to business, organizations and community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies and a specially designed Business Coordination Guide with information on:

• Planning ahead
  
• Staying informed and keeping customers informed
  
• Temporary business signage during roadway closures
  
• WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at www.wisconsindot.gov/Together. 
• Note: Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction. 

Public input/comments

Your comments are important to us. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods  by January 10, 2025.  

• Fill out the comment form attached to the WIS 147 Public Handout and mail to WisDOT. 
  
• Email comments or questions to the contacts listed below. 
• Call the contact below.
  
  

Project Contact