Location
The project is on US 2/53 from 53rd Avenue East in the city of Superior to County C in the town of Amnicon, all in Douglas County.
Overview
The pavement and culverts carrying storm water on US 2/53 are showing signs of deterioration as is the pavement at Rest Area 23 along the eastbound lanes. To address these, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is proposing the following:
- On US 2/53 in both directions:
- Repairing concrete pavement, including making concrete joint repairs and replacing concrete pavement panels
- Milling existing asphalt shoulders and overlaying shoulders with new asphalt
- Milling and overlaying side road connections and the WIS 13 ramps
- Installing shoulder rumble strips and gravel shouldering
- Replacing culvert pipes
- Repairing roadway slopes or embankments that have been eroded
- Repairing the box culvert at Bear Creek
- Replacing the large signs along US 2/53
- Replacing right-of-way fencing along portions of the project
- Repairing or replacing guardrail
- Updating pavement markings to current standards
- At Rest Area 23:
- Replacing existing exterior facility lighting
- Upgrading and modernizing pedestrian curb ramps
- Replacing select panels of sidewalk
- Cleaning joints and cracks on the existing concrete pavement entrance and exit to the facility as well as perimeter parking lot
- Repairing existing concrete pavement or replacing concrete pavement panels as necessary
- Repairing curb and gutter in spot locations
- Overlaying existing concrete pavement with asphalt at entrance and exit to the facility as well as perimeter parking lot
- Razing the existing maintenance garage and constructing a new garage and garbage area.
- Adding additional semi-truck parking by increasing size of existing parking
- At the Superior Safety and Weight Enforcement Facility (SWEF):
- Upgrading and modernizing pedestrian curb ramps
- Refreshing pavement markings
Schedule
Construction currently is scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
Traffic Impacts
During construction:
- US 2/53 will remain open to traffic; however, north- or southbound lanes may be closed, crossovers may occur, and traffic may be limited to one lane in each direction.
- Delays should be expected when traveling the work zone, especially during commuting hours.
- Rest Area 23 repairs may require temporary closure of the facility.
Public Involvement
WisDOT is seeking public input on the proposed project. Please review the following:
Comments can be submitted through Jan. 30, 2026, by:
Contacts
Nick Maki
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Leader
(715) 492-1449
nicholasd.maki@dot.wi.gov
Stephanie J. King
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Manager
(715) 392-7874
stephanie.king@dot.wi.gov
Matt Van Natta
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Supervisor
(715) 392-7966
matthew.vannatta@dot.wi.gov
Christena T. O'Brien
WisDOT Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 828-9471
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Northwest Region, Superior office
1701 N. 4th St.
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 392-7925, (800) 590-1868
nwr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov