Project Overview
This website details 2026 construction operations for multiple culvert replacements on WIS 180. This is the first of three projects planned for WIS 180 at this location. Two resurfacing projects are in design for construction in 2027 and 2030.
- To see details regarding the WIS 180 resurfacing, please go to the WIS 180 design projects webpage.
WIS 180 Culvert Replacements (Project ID 9670-16-00)
NOTE: Tree clearing operations are set to start on March 2, 2026, and take roughly a week to complete. Once completed work will then be suspended for a few months before the bulk of the construction takes place. The remainder of the work associated with this project is expected to resume in early July and extend into early October.
Location
WIS 180 from WIS 64 to US 141 between the village of Wausaukee and city of Marinette in Marinette County, Wisconsin.
Project need
Inspections show the culverts are nearing the end of their service life. Numerous culverts are deteriorating.
Project improvements
This is a culvert replacement project with the following construction elements:
- Removing forty-two deteriorating culverts and replacing with new culverts
- Removing and replacing associated beam guard and pavement at pipe culvert locations
- Minor grading at pipe culvert endwalls
Anticipated benefits
The replacement of forty-two deteriorating culverts will deliver several key benefits.
- By removing aging, failing structures and installing new, properly designed culverts—along with associated updates to beam guard, pavement, and minor endwall grading—the project will restore reliable drainage, significantly reducing the risk of washouts, flooding, road closures, and erosion during heavy rain or snowmelt events.
- This proactive upgrade will enhance overall highway safety for motorists by preventing sudden structural failures or water-related hazards.
- Additionally, the improvements will extend the service life of the roadway infrastructure, lower long-term maintenance costs for WisDOT and taxpayers, and provide a smoother, more dependable travel experience along this rural corridor.
Schedule
Tree clearing operations are set to start in March 2, 2026, and take roughly a week to complete.
- Once tree clearing work is complete, construction will be suspended until July 2026.
- Culvert replacement construction will take place between July 2026 and early October 2026 in two stages.
- Stage 1 will take place between WIS 64 and County X. The contractor intends on starting on the south end near WIS 64 and working north.
- This stage is anticipated to end in mid-August
- Stage 2 begins in mid-August. Stage 2 work will take place between County X and US 141.
- Much like Stage 1, Stage 2 will start on the south end and work towards Wausaukee.
- It’s anticipated that Stage 2 will be completed in late September or early October 2026.
- Much like Stage 1, Stage 2 will start on the south end and work towards Wausaukee.
- Stage 1 will take place between WIS 64 and County X. The contractor intends on starting on the south end near WIS 64 and working north.
Traffic impacts
NOTE: There will be few traffic impacts associated with the week-long tree clearing in March 2026.
- WIS 180 will be CLOSED and DETOURED to through traffic during culvert replacements beginning in July 2026.
- WIS 180 will always remain open to businesses, properties and emergency services in the project work zone.
- Brief interruptions in access may occur temporarily at driveways (an hour or two).
- The contractor will be required to notify homeowners and businesses prior to construction.
There will be two detours during culvert replacement.
- Stage 1 (July to mid-August): The detour route for culverts south of County X will utilize US 141 and WIS 64.
- Stage 2 (mid-August to late September or early October: The detour route for culverts north of County W will utilize US 141 and County X.
Temporary business signing
Temporary business signing may be placed by filling out a WisDOT business signing permit. All temporary business signing needs approval via the permit before placement to ensure it is in a safe location and does not pose a visual distraction or traffic hazard. The temporary business signing permit is free. Costs associated with creating the temporary sign are the responsibility of the business.
- Click here for WisDOT’s temporary business signing instructions and a link to a fillable-form WORD application for the permit.
- Please email or mail the free permit to any of the contacts below.
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 information for businesses regarding planning ahead, keeping customers informed, and temporary business signage during road closures.
Project information
This project will have a dedicated construction project field office and construction project leader. For construction-related questions, please contact the construction project leader. For all other questions, please contact the WisDOT project manager.
Project Construction Leader
Ryan Erkkila, Coleman Engineering
E-mail: rerkkila@coleman-engineering.com
Phone: 906-282-1314
Construction field office location
TBA
WisDOT Project Manager
Kurt Vogel, P.E., Project Manager
WisDOT Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 362-1732
kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov