The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on 10.6 miles of WIS 187 in Outagamie County The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location
This project takes place on 10.6 miles of WIS 187 from WIS 54 in village of Shiocton to the northern Outagamie County line just past County Road F.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to improve drainage deficiencies and extend the service life of the existing bridge structure B-44-0088. The project is needed due to culvert pipe and bridge deterioration along with flooding issues on the south end of the project.
Proposed improvements
This is a miscellaneous-level project. Proposed improvements include:
Anticipated benefits
By addressing critical drainage deficiencies through culvert replacements, culvert repairs/cleanouts, and related work, the project will significantly reduce the risk of flooding—particularly on the south end of the corridor—during heavy rain events or spring thaws. This will help prevent road closures, standing water hazards, and associated travel disruptions that have historically affected drivers in this area, improving overall mobility and reliability on this key local route.
Replacing the bridge deck on structure B-44-0088, along with other secondary structural enhancements, will substantially extend the service life of this vital crossing. This proactive rehabilitation avoids the need for more extensive (and costly) full bridge replacement, preserving connectivity over the affected waterway and supporting consistent access for residents, emergency services, agricultural vehicles, and commuters.
From a fiscal perspective, these targeted repairs and replacements will decrease long-term maintenance costs by resolving deterioration before it worsens. Proactive investment now prevents recurring emergency fixes, pothole patching, or interim detours, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars over the asset's extended lifespan and allowing WisDOT and local resources to be allocated more efficiently elsewhere.
Traffic impacts
WIS 187 will be closed and detoured for the culvert replacements and the bridge deck replacement.
Detour
The detour will utilize WIS 54, WIS 47, and WIS 156.
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View detour route on a map (pdf)
- Note: WisDOT detours onto state highways to keep semi trunks off local roadway. Many times, local motorists can find a shorter route using
Schedule
- Public comments to March 20, 2026
- Environmental Document: Summer 2026
- Project Design: 2026-2028
- Final Design: Fall 2028
- Construction currently scheduled in 2029
Real estate
Real estate impacts in the form of FEE, Permanent Limited Easements (PLE), and Temporary Limited Easement (TLE) will be required for culvert replacements. A member of WisDOT's real estate team will contact affected property owners.
Section 4(f) Property
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has regulations governing the use of land from publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and public or private historic sites. These sites are called Section 4(f) properties. Hamlin Park and REM – Wolf River – Sponerhs March, which is adjacent to the project, are Section 4(f) properties that is requiring permanent impacts. As a result of proposed right-of-way acquisition necessary for the proposed improvements, WisDOT intends to make a de minimis impact determination.
Hamlin Park impacts
Hamlin park will be impacted by this project. Land will be needed in the form of Permanent Limited Easement (PLE) to maintain drainage pipe in the future. Minor tree clearing will be needed at the end of the drainage pipe to replace the deteriorated pipe.
REM-Wolf River-Spoerh's Marsh
REM – Wolf River – Spoerh's March will be impacted by this project. Land will be needed in the form of Right of Way (FEE) to maintain drainage pipe in the future.
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
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Temporary business signing during construction
- This project will have a closure and detour. If you are a businesses impacted by highway closures and detours, you have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
- WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at
www.wisconsindot.gov/Together.
Public input/comments
Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be consider during design.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the project handout below and mail to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Jesse Hansen, P.E., Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-492-5630
Email:
Jesse.hansen@dot.wi.gov