Project Overview
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is developing plans for pavement repairs and other improvements on 7.8 miles of I-43 in Brown County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the improvements, describe the potential impacts on the traveling public, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Note: This project is anticipated to begin in late 2026 with minimal traffic impacts. All traffic impacts shown will occur in 2027.
Project location
The project is located on I-43 between WIS 172 and I-41 in Brown County and includes all interchange ramps.
Project’s purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to extend the life of the existing pavement and associated deteriorating drainage structures, upgrade the existing guardrail, and install median cable guard.
Proposed improvements
This is a maintenance-level project. Proposed improvements include:
- Pavement repairs and resurfacing along the I-43 mainline and all interchange on and off ramps.
- Replace guardrail
- Install median cable guard on I-43 between Atkinson Drive and the Leo Frigo Bridge
- Install median cable guard on I-43 between the Leo Frigo Bridge and the WIS 54/57 systems interchange
- Repair deteriorated culvert pipes
- Pavement marking
Anticipated benefits
Improvements will provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting in less wear and tear on vehicles. Construction will extend the life of the pavement as well as decrease future maintenance costs. Culvert repairs will extend the life of the drainage structures. Guardrail upgrades and installation of median cable guard improve roadside safety.
Traffic Impacts
There will be numerous off-peak, single, and multiple lane closures on I-43. Expect delays during peak travel periods. There will be four FULL CLOSURES of I-43 on four separate weekends.
- Short-term ramp closures may be needed for pavement repair and beam guard replacement.
- If longer-term lane or ramp closures are needed for structure work, detour routes will be signed.
- Traffic impacts will be announced on this 511 project website during construction.
One direction of I-43 will be closed over four weekends (Friday 9 p.m. to Monday 6 a.m.) between April and June 2027.
- The detour for I-43 during these closures will be WIS 172 to I-41 to I-43 to WIS 54/57.
- View I-43 staging closures on a map (pdf)
Schedule
- Final design: 2025 – 2026
- Construction currently scheduled in 2027 – 2028, however minor work may take place in late 2026. 2026 work will be at the discretion of the Prime Contractor after the project is let in 2026.
Real estate
No right-of-way acquisition is anticipated as part of 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
- Keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Temporary business signing during construction
- Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
- Visit WisDOT’s In This Together website
Public input/comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community. 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.
- Download and fill out the public comment form (pdf with prepaid mailer) and mail to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project Contact
Brian Haen, P.E., Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-366-4788
Brian.Haen@dot.wi.gov