Dept. of Transportation: More than 400 projects planned as WisDOT previews 2026 construction season

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) today released its 2026 construction season preview, highlighting substantial infrastructure improvements designed to modernize the state’s transportation system, enhance safety for all road users and continue to spur economic growth across Wisconsin. WisDOT has more than 400 highway improvement projects this season.

“As our teams get ready for another robust construction season, the safety of crews, industry partners and the traveling public remains our top priority,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “With construction projects planned in every county of the state, we urge motorists to plan ahead, know before you go with 511 Wisconsin, and always drive with caution in work zones.”

Significant projects across Wisconsin this year:

• Construction work is ongoing for the major I-41 expansion project between Appleton and De Pere. Pay attention to lane shifts, reduced speed limits and off-peak closures.
• Work starts next month to reconstruct WIS 21 between Omro and Oshkosh. WIS 21 will be closed and detoured until November 2026.
• Watch for lane and ramp restrictions on I-43 in Sheboygan County during resurfacing work through November 2026.
• Construction is underway on I-94, between 70^th Street and 16^th Street, near Milwaukee. Be alert for long-term lane closures, ramp closures and lane shifts throughout the work zone.
• The rebuild of I-41 in Milwaukee County enters its final year of construction. Watch for long-term lane closures between Burleigh Street and Good Hope Road, ramp closures and overnight work.
• Plan ahead for construction work, lane closures and slowdowns on the I-94 bridges over the St. Croix River near Hudson.
• US 63 will be closed to through traffic in Cumberland in Barron County as crews replace a culvert at Beaver Dam Lake with a new structure. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 48, US 53 and WIS 70.
• Work is ongoing to reconstruct the US 51 corridor between Stoughton and McFarland in Dane County. Watch for lane closures and flagging operations.
• Crews are rebuilding the I-90/94 interchange near Tomah in Monroe County. Be alert for lane and ramp closures this spring.
• Construction work continues for the I-39/90/94 bridges over the Wisconsin River in Columbia County. Pay attention for reduced speed limits and lane shifts.
• In the Rhinelander area, crews will reconstruct US 8 between WIS 47 and Oneida County G and build roundabouts at the US 8 intersections with WIS 17 and County G. Through traffic will be detoured during the project.
• Pavement repairs will take place on the US 51 and WIS 29 corridors near Wausau this summer. Watch for lane and ramp closures.

Safety in work zones

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including reduced speed limits, lane shifts and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

• Follow posted speed limits. Fines double in work zones.
• Leave the phone alone. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and using a hand-held mobile device is prohibited in work zones.
• Do the zipper merge.
• Move over or slow down. Give space to crews to safely do their work.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

Visit WisDOT’s work zone safety webpage for more tips and information.

Travel info on Wisconsin highways

Wisconsinites and visitors are encouraged to “know before you go” and access real-time information on travel conditions, live traffic cameras, work zones and incidents across Wisconsin:

• Download the free 511 Wisconsin app
• Visit 511wi.gov
• Follow @511WI on X
• Call 511

Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on the road ahead.

Motorists may encounter the WisDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, along sections of I-41 in Brown and Outagamie counties, I-41 and I-94 in Milwaukee County, I-39/90/94 in Columbia County and eastbound I-94 in Monroe County. The fleet of specially equipped vehicles help manage highway incidents within major construction work zones to keep everyone safe. Coverage hours vary, but most coverage is seven days per week, up to 14 hours per day. Learn more about the WisDOT Safety Patrol.

Most Wisconsin safety rest areas are open, and these facilities offer restrooms, amenities and a break from travel. The safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel in northeast Wisconsin are closed for reconstruction. View the interactive map of WisDOT’s roadside facilities.