Work begins on US 41/ WIS 21 interchange in Oshkosh September 26, First phase of construction requires three-week closure of northbound ramps

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Region office is announcing work starts Monday, September 26 on the first phase of the reconstruction of the US 41/WIS 21 interchange in Oshkosh. The initial work involves the construction of a temporary bypass, designed to carry northbound and southbound US 41 traffic, when the WIS 21 interchange closes for reconstruction on March 19, 2012.

The contractor for the $54 million project is Lunda Construction, Black River Falls.

This first phase includes significant traffic impacts starting at 5 a.m., September 26:

*       Northbound US 41 on-and off-ramps at WIS 21 close for 21 calendar days for construction of a temporary US 41 bypass

*       US 41, WIS 21 and US 41 southbound on-and off-ramps at WIS 21 remain open to traffic during construction

*       Following this 21-day construction period, the WIS 21 interchange will remain open to traffic through the winter.

The second phase of construction begins in March of 2012 when the interchange, including WIS 21 between Washburn and Koeller streets, closes to all traffic until November 2012. The project reconstructs the interchange so that WIS 21 passes over US 41. It includes the construction of multilane roundabouts along WIS 21 at the frontage roads and at the ramp ends. The work also includes the reconstruction and expansion of US 41 between Witzel Avenue and US 45, as well as construction of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations providing access across Lake Butte des Morts.

All lane restrictions are weather dependent and subject to change.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Please use extreme caution and remain alert when driving through this or any work zone.

ABOUT THE US 41 PROJECT

WisDOT is initiating expansion and improvement of 31 miles of US 41 in Brown and Winnebago Counties. The project will include road expansion to accommodate increased traffic volume, 40 new roundabouts, improved interchanges and expansion of the Lake Butte des Morts Causeway. To find current construction information and details about the project visit www.www.US41wisconsin.gov<http://www.US41wisconsin.gov> or call the project hotline: (920) 492-4120.

 [Winnebago- all,  Brown, Outagamie - media]

NOTE: News releases can be viewed on the Web at: www.US41wisconsin.gov<http://www.US41wisconsin.gov>